inspector calls quotes

Question 1

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”

Answer 1

• Mr Birling
• sums up capitalism
• double meaning of business
• ironic because all their business gets exposed by the Inspector
• things in order of importance to him
• this mindset creates a selfish society

Question 2

“But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people.”

Answer 2

• Sheila
• battle between capitalism and socialism
• Eva is used by nearly everyone in the play even if it isn’t actual labour
• capitalism dehumanises people

Question 3

“if only I knew”

Answer 3

• Mrs Birling
• initially condemns the man who got Eva pregnant
• but once she finds out it was her own son her opinion changes
• her sense of morality is dependent on who done what and not what actually is the truth

Question 4

“I wasn’t in love with her or anything - but i liked her - she was pretty and a good sport.”

Answer 4

• Eric
• uses Eva Smith like a game
• reflects how they can as rich men in 1912 England

Question 5

“We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”

Answer 5

• Inspector
• we should help each other as we are part of the same body
• sums up socialism
• opposes Mr Birling’s quote
• responsibility

Question 6

“The point is, you don’t seem to have learnt anything.”

Answer 6

• Sheila
• power of socialism as it is able to transform Sheila into a person with a voice
• She peaks for the poor women who have no voice

Question 7

“if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.”

Answer 7

• Inspector
• either Hell or WW1
• they will eventually learn the lesson
• moral crimes will eventually be punished in hell