guilt Flashcards
overview
Guilt is a key theme in An Inspector Calls because it shows how responsible each character is for their actions. The younger characters, like Sheila and Eric, feel guilty and learn from their mistakes, while the older ones try to deny it and blame others. Priestley uses this to show how important it is to accept responsibility and care about how your actions affect other people. It also shows how different generations react to guilt and change.
“I know I’m to blame—and I’m desperately sorry,”
In contrast, Sheila’s response to the news of her involvement in Eva Smith’s death is significantly different. When she says, “I know I’m to blame—and I’m desperately sorry,” she immediately expresses guilt and remorse. The word “desperately” emphasizes the sincerity and depth of her regret. Sheila is not defensive like her father, but instead takes responsibility for her actions without hesitation. Her use of “to blame” shows that she is fully aware of the consequences of her actions and is accepting responsibility, which contrasts sharply with the way Mr. Birling dismisses any wrongdoing. Priestley uses Sheila’s reaction to show that younger generations, like her, may be more willing to confront the truth and acknowledge their mistakes, whereas the older generation, represented by Mr. Birling, is often more concerned with maintaining their reputation.
“The whole thing’s quite ridiculous, and I’m not going to have this Inspector talk to me like that.”
In Act 1 of An Inspector Calls, a key quote related to guilt comes from Arthur Birling, who says, “The whole thing’s quite ridiculous, and I’m not going to have this Inspector talk to me like that.” This quote occurs when Mr. Birling becomes defensive during the Inspector’s questioning. His reaction is one of anger and disbelief, as he refuses to accept any sense of responsibility for the tragedy surrounding Eva Smith. The use of the words “quite ridiculous” shows his dismissive attitude toward the situation, as he believes that the events and the idea of him being involved in them are absurd. His refusal to take any responsibility is a clear indication of his inability to feel guilt, as he sees himself as above reproach. The phrase “I’m not going to have” shows a sense of control and entitlement, suggesting that Mr. Birling believes his social status gives him the power to avoid responsibility and escape consequence
A significant quote from Act 1 is when Mr. Birling says, “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own – and – “ This quote is crucial because it reflects Mr. Birling’s individualistic, capitalist mindset and his refusal to accept responsibility for others, which directly relates to guilt. The phrase “A man has to mind his own business” reveals Mr. Birling’s belief in personal responsibility but only in a limited, self-serving way. His approach to life is rooted in the idea that individuals should focus solely on their own well-being and disregard the needs or suffering of others. This attitude is directly linked to guilt because it shows how Mr. Birling refuses to acknowledge any connection between his actions and the harm caused to others, particularly Eva Smith. His view is one that justifies ignoring the consequences of his behavior, reinforcing the idea that those in power often avoid guilt by refusing to accept responsibility for their actions. The repetition of “and his own” further emphasizes his selfishness, making it clear that he believes no one should be concerned with anyone else’s problems. This quote sets up Mr. Birling as a character who, throughout the play, continually rejects any feelings of guilt or responsibility, standing in stark contrast to characters like Sheila, who begin to understand and accept their role in Eva’s death. Through this, Priestley critiques the moral shortcomings of those who live by capitalist values and refuse to take accountability for their actions.
“I wasn’t in love with her or anything – but I liked her – she was pretty and a good sport.”
The second quote comes from Eric, who says, “I wasn’t in love with her or anything – but I liked her – she was pretty and a good sport.” This quote comes after Eric has admitted to having an affair with Eva Smith, which led to her pregnancy. Eric’s words show his guilt and self-awareness, but also his conflicted feelings about his actions. By saying “I wasn’t in love with her,” he tries to minimize his responsibility, suggesting that his actions were not as serious or meaningful. However, the phrase “she was pretty and a good sport” reveals that Eric does feel some emotional attachment to Eva, even though he tries to downplay it. His guilt is apparent in this quote because he tries to justify his actions to himself and others, but deep down, he knows that his behavior caused harm. This internal conflict highlights the theme of guilt, as Eric grapples with his role in Eva’s tragic fate, yet still feels conflicted about fully accepting his responsibility.
“Each of you helped to kill her”
The line “Each of you helped to kill her” is a powerful moment in An Inspector Calls that highlights the theme of guilt, especially in how the Inspector reveals the collective responsibility of the characters for Eva Smith’s death. The use of the word “each” stresses that every person in the room played a part in her downfall, making it impossible for them to deny their guilt. The phrase “helped to kill” is particularly harsh, as it forces the characters to confront the idea that their actions, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, directly led to a tragic outcome. By using the word “kill,” the Inspector removes any ambiguity about the seriousness of their actions, forcing them to feel the weight of their responsibility. This line also exposes the interconnectedness of society and suggests that individual actions can have far-reaching consequences, a central message in Priestley’s play. Through this line, the Inspector challenges the characters’ attempts to deflect blame, pushing them to recognize that they are all complicit, which deepens the theme of guilt and personal accountability.
conclusion
In An Inspector Calls, the theme of guilt is shown through how each character reacts to the Inspector’s visit. Sheila and Eric feel genuinely guilty and accept responsibility, showing they’ve learned from their mistakes, while Mr. and Mrs. Birling refuse to admit any blame and just point fingers at others. This difference shows how the younger generation is more open to change, while the older generation stays stuck in their selfish ways. Priestley uses guilt to teach the audience that we all have a role in each other’s lives, and real change only happens when we take responsibility for our actions.
“You’re the one I blame for this”,
The quote “You’re the one I blame for this”, said by Mr. Birling in Act 3, shows how he tries to avoid guilt by putting the responsibility on someone else, rather than accepting his own part in Eva Smith’s death. The accusatory tone in the word “blame” shows that he’s more focused on protecting his reputation and authority than actually reflecting on what happened. This line uses direct speech and personal pronouns like “you” to shift guilt onto Eric, which shows how selfish and stubborn Mr. Birling is. Instead of accepting any personal responsibility, he lashes out, showing the older generation’s refusal to change or admit they were wrong. Priestley uses Mr. Birling’s reaction to explore the theme of guilt by showing how some people care more about avoiding punishment than actually doing what’s right. This moment also contrasts with how younger characters like Sheila react, making Mr. Birling look even more out of touch and arrogant.
