The Inspector - Key Quotations Flashcards
Analyse the quotation - ‘_____ agony’
great
The Inspector’s emotive description of Eva’s suffering is an attempt to make the Birlings sympathise with Eva, which works for the younger generations but not for the older generations, who are stuck in their ways.
Analyse the stage direction - ‘(________ through, massively)’
cutting
stage direction
The Inspector’s interruption of Birling’s speech shows how he isn’t intimidates by those in positions of high societal power like Mr Birling and he will not compromise his morals for his reputation. This makes socialism seem moral and capitalism immoral.
Analyse the quotation - ‘One ______ and one line of _______ at a time’
person, inquiry
The Inspector’s strict, thorough and methodical methods indicates that the Inspector will not compromise himself for the needs of others. This depicts socialism as intellectually superior to capitalism, from Priestley’s point of view.
Analyse the quotation - ‘It’s better to ___ for the world than ____ it’
ask, take
The significance of his moral absolutism indicates socialism’s ability to see right from wrong and hence capitalism’s inability to do this. This is an attempt by Priestley to entice people to socialism.
Analyse the quotation - ‘I don’t ____ golf’
play
This demonstrates how he is unfazed by the attempts by Birling to make him ignore their wrongdoings. This shows how the Inspector is steadfast in his morals and won’t compromise them.
Analyse the quotation - ‘We’ll ____ to ______ our guilt’
have
imperative
The Inspector’s collectivist and socialist views shows the contrast between the ignorant and synical views of the Birlings with the perceived righteous and moral views of socialism, to entice people to join Priestley. His moral absolutism contrasts the individualism of the Birlings.
Analyse the quotation - ‘Let’s leave ________ out of it’
offence
This shows the Inspector’s clarity of mind, despite being confronted by multiple people, he is still able to remind them of who deserves sympathy here.
Analyse the quotation - ‘Public men have ____________ as well as __________’
responsibilities, privileges
The Inspector’s socialist views towards Mr Birling’s individualism demonstrates the morality of Socialism, in contrast to capitalism, which is very self-centered.
Analyse the quotation - ‘____ of you helped to kill her. _________ that. _____ forget it.’
Each, remember, never
Imperative
His clearly socialist rhetoric indicates shared responsibilty is a necessity for progress in society. His harsh tone implies he feels disappointed that they have refused to take responsibilty, and won’t learn from their mistakes unless they are dealt with. His imperative language, coupled with his moral absolutism is symbolic of Priestley’s view that radical social reform is necessary and that Socialism is the ideal solution
Analyse the quotation - ‘millions and millions and ________ of ___ Smiths’
Millions, Eva
The repetition shows how much of an impact the Birlings and people like them can have on society, using their power, in both negative and positive ways depending on if they change.
Analyse the quotation - ‘____ and blood and ______’
Fire, anguish
The inspector’s insistence on the mistakes of capitalism resonates with the audience, as capitalist countries caused, either directly or indirectly to both world wars. Birling’s insistence that nothing will happen indicates that capitalism will never change and those who follow it won’t either.
‘They shall be ______ it’
taught
His speech is prophetic, indicating that he has perhaps divinely inspired rhetoric. Since this a God-fearing audience, the implication of armageddon as a result of a lack of a social conscience pushes people to Socialism
‘It’s ___ late. She’s ____’
Too, dead
He speaks in terms of reality, presenting the Inspector as aware and wise, as Priestley’s mouthpiece for Socialism.
‘We are _______ of ___ body”
members, one
His collectivist rhetoric, paired with his moral absolutism is an attempt by Priestley to entice people into Socialism.
‘A ________ or some sort of _____’
Socialist, crank
He is described by Mr Birling as little less than an activist, trying to belittle him despite the Inspector having inspired and changing his children. This could indicate the hypocrisy of the upper classes.
