An Inspector Calls Quotations Flashcards
“If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and in blood and in anguish”
The Inspector - conditional sentence and foreshadowing the war that will be coming. The syndetic listing creates a blunt sharp tone where the didactic message of Priestley is conveyed to both the characters and the audience
“These girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people”
Sheila - shows her understanding of the impact that capitalist views have on women in society. Alternatively, this could be her own sudden realisation showing her naivety
“Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable”
Mr Birling - dramatic irony. Could be symbolic for the Birling family being unsinkable but also demonstrates his ignorance. The adverb “absolutely” creates a certainty which makes this even worse
“The Germans don’t want war”
Mr Birling - dramatic irony. A declarative tone that is expressed with a level of certainty - it makes him seem even more foolish and despised by the audience
“She was pretty and a good sport”
Eric - his description of Eva Smith shows a conformity to the Patriarchy of the time. She is objectified for her looks and show a traditional passing down of capitalist views
“I’m desperately sorry and I’ll never, never do it again to anybody”
Sheila - the repetition of “never” conveys a sense of desperation and passion. The adverb “desperately” gives a sense of her feeling overwhelmed by emotion and her involvement
“I don’t play golf”
The Inspector - shows a willingness to stand up to social superiors and distances himself from corrupt establishments and Capitalist business
“We are members of one body”
The Inspector - uses this metaphor as a means by which he can convey his hopes for socialist ideals - everyone working together to look after each other
“Mixed together like bees in a hive, community and all that nonsense”
Mr Birling - highly dismissive of community, something audiences would criticise. The simile comparing society to bees in a hive is used to be shown as being uncomfortable but alternatively could show productivity
“Millions and millions of John and Eva Smiths”
The Inspector - provides a didactic message acting as a microcosm for men and women in society suffering in the same way that Eva Smith did
“It frightens me the way you talk”
Sheila - shows her immaturity and childish nature - she is fearful of the way that the truth is presented to her
“Pleased with life”
“Passionately”
Stage directions - Sheila - shows the development of her character throughout the play - she starts in a materialistic sense and develops into more of an advocate for others
“The lighting is pink and intimate and then becomes brighter and harder as the Inspector arrives”
Stage directions - could be symbolic for the comfort of the family, intimate lighting showing their ability to have warmth, something many others would not have. Becoming brighter could be that as he arrives the family find it harder to see their lives in the way they once did
“I’m talking as a hard-headed practical man of business”
Mr Birling - reinforcing and attempting to assert and influence others through his power and status - there is an irony associated with this as audiences would not view this as impressive
“A man has to make his own way - to look after himself - and his family too, of course!”
Mr Birling - shows that his priority is self preservation rather than being focused on his family and others -
There is a dismissive nature to looking after his family as if it was an after thought. Reinforces capitalism
“Probably a Socialist or some sort of crank”
Mr Birling - provides a criticism for socialists and dismisses their attitudes and ideas - perhaps this is a deliberate tool from Priestley to show how individuals wanted to reject socialism and its values
“Now look at the pair of them - the famous younger generation who know it all”
Mr Birling- makes a criticism towards Shiela and Eric and their shifts in attitudes - shows a generational divide in society
“Girls of that class”
Mrs Birling - dismisses Eva and women who are in a similar social situation - shows the role class plays in people’s viewpoints and judgements
“I’m very sorry but I think she only had herself to blame”
Mrs Birling - attempts to show some sympathy but it feels superficial - she attributes blame solely to Eva and therefore seems driven by class and prejudice
“Go look for the father of the child - it’s his responsibility”
Mrs Birling - in a similar way to her attributing blame to Eva Smith, Mrs Birling shifts the blame to the father of her child, without knowing that it is her own son, Eric, therefore could function as dramatic irony.
“I accept no blame at all”
Mrs Birling - shows her difference to Sheila and Eric. A stubborn refusal to show any connection to Eva Smith and the suicide.
It is a blunt declarative statement
