Inspector Goole and Gerald Croft Key Quotes

Question 1

The lighting changes as Inspector comes from “pink and intimate” to “brighter and harder” showing the mood change. - Inspector

Answer 1

Class/Social Responsibility 
We get idea of interrogation so suggesting that upper class can also be treated this way they won’t be allowed to get away with the crime. Priestly wants to change the perception and show this capitalism is wrong

Question 2

“if men will not learn that lesson…then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish” - Inspector

Answer 2

Social Responsibility
The Inspector predicts a hell like future, filled with a nightmarish vision of ‘fire’ and ‘blood’. Priestley experienced war first hand, so some suspect that what he saw in wartime influenced the Inspector’s final speech.

Question 3

‘millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths’- Inspector

Answer 3

Social Responsibility 
To convey to the Birlings how widespread their actions are, the Inspector uses the extended metaphor of ‘millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths’ to represent the number of working class men and women who were exploited on a daily basis by the greed of capitalism.

Question 4

“It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it.” - Inspector

Answer 4

Social Responsibility
Here the Inspector is suggesting that it is socially irresponsible to be greedy and ‘take’ things without permission. This is a practice the privileged Birlings would be used to.

Question 5

“Why should you [stay]? It’s bound to be unpleasant and disturbing” - Gerald

Answer 5

Gender

Showing that women should not be listening to this as it can harm them

Question 6

“after all y’know were respectable citizens and not criminals” - Gerald

Answer 6

Class
The Inspector wants the family to realise that being ‘respectable’ in society’s eyes does not mean you are not responsible for your actions