Inspector Calls Quotes Flashcards
“The Titanic/absolutely unsinkable.”
Said by: Arthur Birling
Act 1
- Dramatic irony: the audience knows the Titanic sank, so Birling’s confidence makes him seem foolish. Priestly uses this to undermine his authority and show that those in power can be ignorant and arrogant.
- Links to the capitalist overconfidence and the idea that progress and wealth will fix everything
“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”
Said by: Arthur Birling
Act 1
- Reflects individualism and capitalist ideology. Birling believes in self-interest over community, which Priestley criticizes.
-Contrasts with the Inspectors view that we are all responsible for each other.
“The way some of these cranks talk and write now, youd’d think everybody has to look after everyone else.”
Said by: Arthur Birling
Act 1
-The word “cranks” shows his disdain for socialist ideas. Priestly uses Birling to represent everything wrong with the older generations selfishness.
“I did nothing I’m ashamed of.”
Said by: Sybil Birling
Act 2
-Shows Sybil’s complete denial of responsibility. Priestley uses Sybil to highlight how the upper classes refuse to accept blame, even when their actions have serious consequences.
“Girls of that class-“
Said by: Sybil Birling
Act 2
- The dash emphasises her disgust. It’s a clear expression of class prejudice. She dehumanises Eva, seeing her as beneath concern.
-Reflects how social class heaped attitudes toward the poor, particularly working class woman.
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour- they’re people.”
Said by: Sheila Birling
Act 1
-Sheila starts to understand the human cost of capitalism. She challenges her father’s views, showing the generational shift and growing social awareness.
“I know I’m to blame- and I’m desperately sorry.”
Said by: Sheila Birling
Act 2
-Sheila accepts responsibility for her part in Evas death. Priestley presents her as someone capable of change and growth, representing hope for the future.
“It frightens me the way you talk.”
Said by: Sheila Birling
Act 3
-Sheila becomes increasingly disillusioned with her parents. She’s horrified by their refusal to change.
-Reinforces the generational divide and Priestly’s faith in the younger generation
“You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble.”
Said by: Eric Birling
Act 3
-Reveals the lack of trust and understanding between Eric and his father. It shows how Birling’s authoritarian parenting has emotionally isolated his son.
“We helped kill her.”
Said by: Eric Birling
Act 3
-Erin, like Sheila, accepts collective responsibility. The repetition of “we” emphasises the blame is shared and not just individual.
-Priestley uses Eric to show that change in possible is people accept their role in society.
“We are members of one body.We are responsible for each other.”
Said by: Inspector Google
Act 3
-This is the central message of the play: a socialist belief in a community and shared responsibility.
-Priestley uses the Inspector as his mouthpiece to deliver this moral lesson.
“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.”
Said by: Inspector Goole
Act 2
-Directly challenges Birling’s capitalist and patriarchal authority. Priestley criticises those in power who enjoy their status but ignore the needs of others.
“each of you helped to kill her.”
Said by: Inspector Goole
Act 3
-Blunt and direct. The inspector holds them all accountable, reinforcing the idea of interconnectedness and the cumulative impact of their actions.
“There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us.”
Said by: Inspector Goole
Act 3
-Eva becomes a symbol for the exploited working class. The repetition of “millions” emphasises the widespread nature of suffering caused by inequality.
“If men will not learn that lesson, they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.”
Said by: Inspector Goole
Act 3
-Apocalyptic tone: warns of war and suffering if society fails to learn the importance of social responsibility.
-Priestley, writing after WW2, is clearly using rhetoric audience to learn from history and embrace change.
