Inspector Calls Quotes Flashcards
Dramatic irony early on about Titanic. Possibly a metaphor for the family
Mr Birling: “Unsinkable, completely unsinkable”
Act 1
Early reference to Eric’s Drinking, shows relationship between siblings. Almost childlike
Sheila: “You’re squiffy”
Act1
Shows his pride in his success and his capitalist views
Mr birling: “i speak as a heard headed business man”
Act 1
Mr Birling rejecting socialism and showing his views on who men should help
Mr birling: “a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own”
Shows a barrier between mother and daughter and a bridge between sheila and inspector
Shelia: “we really must stop with these silly pretences”
Act 2
Mrs Birling is big headed, she thinks her social standing is higher then others.
Emphasis on ‘that’ shows her strong opinion
“Girls of that class” Mrs Birling to The Inspector (Act 2)
He shows how much he noticed the positive features of her to take the attention away from what he has done.
Gerald: “She was very pretty- soft brown hair and big dark eyes” (Act 2)
Shows the weak relationship between father and son.
-Eric hasnt had anyone he could count on for something other than money.
Eric: “Youre not the kind of father a chap could go to when hes in trouble” (Act 2)
This is the main message of The Inspector.
-Opposes Mr Birling’s views.
The Inspector: “We are members of one body. We are responsoble for each other” (Act 3)
Gerald hasnt understood the message of The Inspector. Doesnt see that Sheila has been changed
“Everythings alright now Sheila” Gerald to Sheila. (Act 3)
Trys to make the family feel guilty.
Shows that nobody in the family is without blame and that the blame will stay with them as well as the guilt
The Inspector: “Each of you helped to kill her. Remember that never forget it” (Act 3)
Inspector showing that they can change and help all the other similar people who need help. Emphasis on millions
“Remember this…there are millions and millions and millions of Eva and John Smiths” inspector (act 3)
Shows inspector has pre-knowledge of ww1 and ww2 and blames people like the Birlings for it
“If men will not learn that lesson them it will be taught in fire and blood and anguish.” Inspector (act 3)
Sheila showing stubbornness of older birlings and how she has developed as a character
“You dont seem to have learnt anything” Sheila (act 3)
Sheila questions her family’s morals and is appalled they have learnt nothing
“So nothing really happened. So there’s nothing to be sorry for, nothing to learn.” Sheila (act 3)
