relationships Flashcards
overview
In An Inspector Calls, the theme of relationships shows the Birling family falling apart due to their selfishness and refusal to take responsibility. While Mr and Mrs Birling prioritise their reputation, Sheila and Eric show guilt and a willingness to change, creating a generational divide. Priestley uses this breakdown to highlight how inequality and lack of accountability destroy relationships, while offering hope through the younger generation’s empathy.
“You ought to like this port, Gerald. As a matter of fact, Finchley told me it’s exactly the same port your father gets.”
In An Inspector Calls, Priestley uses the theme of relationships to show how the Birling family interact with each other and how their attitudes reflect their social status. At the beginning of the play, Mr Birling says, “You ought to like this port, Gerald. As a matter of fact, Finchley told me it’s exactly the same port your father gets.” This quote shows how Mr Birling is trying to impress Gerald by highlighting their shared social status and wealth. The use of the word “ought” suggests that Mr Birling expects Gerald to approve of the port because it’s something his father would have, which shows how relationships in the play are often based on social expectations rather than genuine connection. It also highlights Mr Birling’s obsession with class and his desire to climb the social ladder, even if it means using his daughter’s relationship with Gerald to do so. The fact that Mr Birling name-drops “Finchley” also shows how he values connections with people of higher status, as if their approval validates his own worth. This reflects the superficial nature of relationships in the Edwardian era, where appearances and social standing often mattered more than real emotional bonds.
You were away last summer for ages.
This line hints at tension in their relationship, as Sheila seems suspicious of Gerald’s absence. The word “ages” suggests that Sheila feels neglected or insecure, which foreshadows the later revelation about Gerald’s affair with Eva Smith. This shows how relationships in the play are often superficial or flawed, as Gerald’s actions reveal a lack of loyalty and honesty. Sheila’s tone here also suggests that she’s starting to question Gerald’s commitment, which reflects how the younger generation in the play are more aware of the flaws in their relationships compared to the older characters like Mr and Mrs Birling, who ignore problems to maintain appearances. The pause before Gerald’s response, “I was awfully busy at the works all that time,” feels defensive and evasive, which adds to the sense of mistrust. This moment subtly reveals the cracks in their engagement, showing that their relationship is built on shaky foundations, much like the Birling family’s moral values.
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people,”
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people,” shows her growing awareness and empathy towards Eva Smith. The use of the word “people” emphasises Sheila’s understanding that working-class individuals like Eva have the same value and humanity as anyone else. This contrasts with her earlier selfishness, showing how her relationship with Eva (even though they never actually meet) has changed her perspective. Sheila’s use of the word “cheap” also criticises the way the upper class, like her father, dehumanise workers, treating them as tools for profit rather than human beings. This reflects the theme of relationships because it shows how Sheila’s moral growth is tied to her ability to see others as equals, unlike her parents.
“I think she had only herself to blame
Mrs Birling’s quote, “I think she had only herself to blame,” reveals her cold and unsympathetic attitude towards Eva. The pronoun “she” distances Mrs Birling from Eva, showing her lack of connection or responsibility towards her. The phrase “only herself to blame” is particularly harsh, as it shows Mrs Birling’s refusal to accept any responsibility for Eva’s suffering, even though she played a part in denying her help. This highlights the theme of relationships because it shows how Mrs Birling’s lack of empathy and her rigid class attitudes prevent her from forming any meaningful connection with others outside her social circle. It also contrasts sharply with Sheila’s growing sense of social responsibility, showing the generational divide in how they view their relationships with others.
“But you’re forgetting one thing I still can’t forget. Everything we said had happened really had happened.”
At the end of An Inspector Calls, the theme of relationships is presented through two key quotes that reveal the growing tension and breakdown within the Birling family. The first quote is when Sheila says, “But you’re forgetting one thing I still can’t forget. Everything we said had happened really had happened.” This quote shows how Sheila’s relationship with her family is strained because she’s the only one who fully grasps the consequences of their actions. The word “forgetting” suggests that the rest of the family are trying to ignore their guilt and move on, while Sheila’s repetition of “had happened” emphasises her inability to let go of the truth. This creates a clear divide between her and her parents, as Sheila represents the younger generation’s willingness to change and take responsibility, while Mr and Mrs Birling are stuck in their selfish ways. The phrase “I still can’t forget” also highlights Sheila’s emotional maturity, as she’s haunted by the Inspector’s message about collective responsibility, which contrasts with her parents’ cold, dismissive attitudes. This shows how the family’s relationships are crumbling because of their conflicting values.
“You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can’t.”
This quote reveals Eric’s frustration and sense of isolation from his family. The phrase “you lot” is particularly significant because it creates a clear separation between Eric and his parents, as if he no longer sees himself as part of their selfish mindset. The word “nicely” is dripping with sarcasm, showing Eric’s anger and disappointment at how his parents are trying to brush off their responsibility for Eva Smith’s death. This highlights the theme of relationships because it shows how Eric’s relationship with his parents is broken due to their lack of accountability and moral growth. However, it also suggests a stronger bond between Eric and Sheila, as they both feel genuine guilt and understand the Inspector’s message about social responsibility. The contrast between the younger and older generations is stark here, with Sheila and Eric representing change and empathy, while Mr and Mrs Birling remain static and self-centred. Overall, these quotes show how the family’s relationships are fractured because of their inability to take responsibility for their actions, and how the younger generation’s moral growth sets them apart from their parents.
conclusion
In An Inspector Calls, the theme of relationships shows the Birling family falling apart due to their selfishness and refusal to take responsibility. While Mr and Mrs Birling prioritise their reputation, Sheila and Eric show guilt and a willingness to change, creating a generational divide. Priestley uses this breakdown to highlight how inequality and lack of accountability destroy relationships, while offering hope through the younger generation’s empathy.
