Inspector Goole- Key Quotations Flashcards
“But after all, its better to ask for the earth than to take it”
This quotation shows the inspectors passive nature and pacifist beliefs. He is critiquing Mr Birling’s actions on firing Eva. He is saying that she wasn’t forcing him into anything, and did not need to sack her.
“You think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things?”
The inspector is try not to guilt trip the family with this quotation. He is trying to get them to realise that Eva was a young vulnerable girl, and they abused her lack of power for their own amusement
“You see we have to share something. If there’s nothing else, we’ll have to share our guilt”
The inspector uses this to convince the family that they are all guilty of her death. Mr and Mrs Birling continue to refuse responsibility for her death, and the inspector persists in proving that they are responsible.
“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as price labels”
This quote is the inspector reminding Mr Birling that just because he is middle/upper class, doesn’t mean he can do as he pleases and hide it. He must keep up his reputation as a good man by actually being good.
“Each of you helped to kill her, remember that. Never forget it. Although I don’t think you will”
This quote is the inspector making the family realise that they are all responsible, and as a family will have to live their lives knowing that they are responsible for killing a vulnerable girl. Their family name is stained with her blood
“’But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone – but there are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives, with what we think and say and do. We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish. Good night.’
This is the inspectors final speech. In this quote he essentially tells the family to think on their actions. Because they acted so horribly, they are advised to not act so badly in the future
