Inspector calls - Social Responsibility

Question 1

What does the quote “If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody, it would be quite awkward, wouldn’t it?” (Mr Birling, Act 1) suggest?

Answer 1

“If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody, it would be quite awkward, wouldn’t it?” (Mr Birling, Act 1) suggests Mr Birling is reluctant to accepting his responsibility. Collective pronoun ‘everybody’ reveals his reluctant and lack of concern
Adjective ‘awkward’ emphasises his foolish nature - responsibility should be taken despite how uncomfortable you may feel

Question 2

What doe the quote “It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it” (Inspector Goole, Act 1) imply?

Answer 2

The quote “It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it” (Inspector Goole, Act 1) is a metaphor than establishes the direct contrast between him and Mr Birling (difference between socialism and capitalism) - Irony due to Mr Birling taking the earth by exploiting the cheap labour of his workers - Inspector is Priestley’s mouthpiece

Question 3

What does the quote “He’s giving us the rope - so that we’ll hang ourselves” (Sheila, Act 2) imply?

Answer 3

“He’s giving us the rope - so that we’ll hang ourselves” (Sheila, Act 2) implies that they have the option to do the right thing, but they refuse - Priestley’s intentions are that not accepting social responsibility can cause society to collapse (as seen through Eva)