Inspector calls character quotes Flashcards
What does Inspector Goole mean by ‘It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it’?
Act 1:
It suggests that one should seek fairness and justice rather than taking advantage of others.
This reflects a theme of social responsibility in the play.
What does Inspector Goole imply when he says, ‘We don’t live alone. We are members of one body’?
Act 1:
It emphasizes the interconnectedness of society and shared responsibility.
This is a key theme in the play regarding social unity.
What responsibility does Inspector Goole say public men have?
Act2:
‘Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.’
This highlights the moral obligations of those in power.
What does Inspector Goole mean by ‘we have to share our guilt’?
Act 2:
It indicates that everyone is accountable for their actions and the consequences they bring.
This reflects a central moral lesson of the play.
What warning does Inspector Goole give about learning lessons?
Act 3:
‘If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.’
This foreshadows the potential consequences of ignoring social responsibility.
What is Arthur Birling’s view on personal responsibility?
Act 1:
‘A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.’
This illustrates his selfish and individualistic perspective.
What does Arthur Birling claim about the Titanic?
Act 1:
‘The Titanic – she sails next week – unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.’
This statement reflects his misplaced confidence in progress and technology.
What does Arthur Birling say regarding responsibility?
Act 2:
‘I can’t accept any responsibility.’
This demonstrates his refusal to acknowledge the impact of his actions on others.
What concern does Arthur Birling express about public scandal?
Act 3:
‘There’ll be a public scandal – unless we’re lucky.’
This shows his preoccupation with reputation over morality.
How does Arthur Birling dismiss the truth about the situation?
Act 3:
‘The whole story’s just a lot of moonshine. Nothing but an elaborate sell!’
This reveals his denial and inability to face the consequences of his actions.
What does Sybil Birling say about ‘girls of that class’?
Act 2:
‘Girls of that class—’
This reflects her prejudiced views on social classes.
What does Sybil Birling claim about her actions?
Act 2:
‘I did nothing I’m ashamed of.’
This illustrates her lack of empathy and accountability.
What does Sybil Birling say about the father of the child?
Act 2:
‘Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility.’
This shows her attempt to shift blame onto others.
What does Sybil Birling assert about her own conduct?
Act 2:
‘Unlike the other three, I did nothing wrong.’
This highlights her self-righteousness and refusal to accept collective guilt.
What does Sybil Birling say about giving in?
Act 3:
‘I was the only one who didn’t give in to him.’
This demonstrates her pride in her defiance against the Inspector.
What does Sheila Birling say about the treatment of girls?
Act 1:
‘But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.’
This showcases her growing awareness of social justice.
What promise does Sheila Birling make?
Act 1:
‘I’ll never, never do it again to anybody.’
This reflects her remorse and commitment to change.
What warning does Sheila Birling give about building walls?
Act 2:
‘You mustn’t try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl.’
This emphasizes the importance of empathy and connection.
What does Sheila Birling say about the Inspector’s role?
Act 2:
‘He’s giving us the rope – so that we’ll hang ourselves.’
This indicates her understanding of the Inspector’s purpose in exposing their guilt.
What does Sheila Birling express fear about?
Act 3:
‘It frightens me the way you talk.’
This reflects her anxiety about the family’s denial of guilt.
What does Eric Birling say about workers seeking higher wages?
Act 1:
‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices.’
This highlights his support for workers’ rights.
What does Eric Birling say about his relationship with his father?
Act 2:
‘You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble.’
This illustrates the lack of a supportive father-son relationship.
What does Eric Birling claim about their role in the girl’s death?
Act 3:
‘We all helped to kill her.’
This admission signifies his acceptance of collective responsibility.
What does Eric Birling emphasize about the girl’s death?
Act 3:
‘And I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her – and that’s what matters.’
This underscores the gravity of their actions.
What does Eric Birling accuse his family of doing?
Act 3:
‘You’re beginning to pretend now that nothing’s really happened at all.’
This reflects his frustration with their denial.
What does Gerald Croft assert about their social standing?
Act 1:
‘We’re respectable citizens and not criminals.’
This highlights his concern for reputation over ethics.
How does Gerald Croft describe the girl he was involved with?
Act 2:
‘She was young and pretty and warm-hearted – and intensely grateful.’
This reflects his romanticized view of his relationship with her.
What does Gerald Croft say about his intentions?
Act 2:
‘I didn’t ask for anything in return.’
This indicates his claim of altruism in his actions.
What does Gerald Croft say to reassure Sheila?
Act 3:
‘Everything’s all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?’
This shows his attempt to shift focus back to their engagement after the crisis.
What does Gerald Croft imply about the girls he met?
Act 3:
‘What girl? There were probably four or five different girls.’
This reflects his dismissal of individual responsibility.
