Character Quotes // A.I.C Flashcards
including Mr. Birling, Mrs. Birling, Inspector Goole and Sheila.
“Unsinkable. Absolutely Unsinkable.”
Arthur Birling, in reference to the Titanic.
“Your engagement with Sheila means a tremendos lot to me”
Arthur Birling being selfish about his daughter’s wedding.
“A lot of young men”
Arthur Birling defending men in general, not just Gerald, in cheating on his daughter. Treats cheating like common practice.
“I’m not defending him BUT…”
Arthur Birling knows it’s wrong to defend Gerald but does so anyway.
“Millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths of the world”
Inspector Goole referring to the many nameless faces of the working class that suffer the same fate as Eva.
“I don’t play golf.”
Inspector Goole does not have the free time to play golf. He is busy defending the working class. That AND he doesn’t f/w the idea of performative alliance among the bourgeoisie.
“Cutting through massively”
Inspector Goole asserting dominance. Suggesting sociology should be the dominant ideology.
“She’s upsetting herself.”
Inspector Goole referencing to Sheila opening her eyes and realising everything. The rest of his job is being done for him, and he no longer has to disturb the fragile glass house Sheila lived in, provided by her privilege.
“A cold woman and her husband’s social superior”
Stage Instructions in reference to Mrs. Birling.
“Girls of that class.”
Mrs. Birling” being condescending, elitist and generalising of the working class.
“And you think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things?”
The Inspector is challenging the infantalisation of women.
“I’m sorry she came to such a horrible end. But I accept no responsibility.”
Mrs. Birling contradicts her apology in the very same sentence, showing even her remorse is performative.
“Now Sheila, don’t tease him–when you’re married you’ll realise”
Mrs Birling is complicit in upholding the patriarchy. L she has internalised misogyny.
“I can’t accept any responsibility”
Mr Birling sees responsibility as awkward.
“It’s too late, she’s dead”
The Inspector is being somewhat morbid, but realistic and blunt. Reference to harsh lighting as inspector steps in.
