AIC quotes
1. "A man has to mind his own business and look after
himself and his own." – Mr Birling
Context:
o Said early in Act 1 during Mr Birling’s speech about
individual success.
o Reflects Edwardian capitalist beliefs just before the
Inspector arrives.
Techniques:
o Dramatic Irony – Birling’s selfish view is later
proven wrong by the events of the play.
o Anaphora – Repetition of “his” emphasises
individualism.
o Tone – Authoritative and self-assured, presenting
Birling as arrogant.
Analysis:
o Highlights Mr Birling’s self-interest and refusal to
acknowledge collective responsibility.
o Presents Priestley’s criticism of capitalism and upper-
class complacency.
o Foreshadows the conflict with the Inspector’s socialist
message.
2. "But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people."
– Sheila
Context:
o Said in Act 1 after Mr Birling justifies sacking Eva for
wanting higher pay.
o Shows Sheila’s growing moral awareness.
Techniques:
, o Emotive Language – “cheap labour” vs “people”
contrasts dehumanisation with empathy.
o Tone Shift – From passive daughter to assertive
moral voice.
o Contrast – Sheila’s reaction opposes her father’s
capitalist attitude.
Analysis:
o Sheila begins to align with the Inspector’s views,
breaking from her family’s values.
o Highlights Priestley’s message about social
responsibility and class equality.
o Signals her character development.
3. "If we were all responsible for everything that
happened to everybody we’d had anything to do with, it
would be very awkward, wouldn’t it?" – Mr Birling
Context:
o Said during his interrogation in Act 1, trying to deny
accountability.
o Reflects the play’s central theme of responsibility.
Techniques:
o Rhetorical Question – Used dismissively to avoid
guilt.
o Irony – The play shows that we are connected and
responsible.
o Colloquial Tone – Makes him seem casual and
flippant about serious matters.
Analysis:
o Shows Birling’s refusal to accept moral accountability.
o Priestley uses this to expose the flaws in capitalist,
individualist thinking.
1. "A man has to mind his own business and look after
himself and his own." – Mr Birling
Context:
o Said early in Act 1 during Mr Birling’s speech about
individual success.
o Reflects Edwardian capitalist beliefs just before the
Inspector arrives.
Techniques:
o Dramatic Irony – Birling’s selfish view is later
proven wrong by the events of the play.
o Anaphora – Repetition of “his” emphasises
individualism.
o Tone – Authoritative and self-assured, presenting
Birling as arrogant.
Analysis:
o Highlights Mr Birling’s self-interest and refusal to
acknowledge collective responsibility.
o Presents Priestley’s criticism of capitalism and upper-
class complacency.
o Foreshadows the conflict with the Inspector’s socialist
message.
2. "But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people."
– Sheila
Context:
o Said in Act 1 after Mr Birling justifies sacking Eva for
wanting higher pay.
o Shows Sheila’s growing moral awareness.
Techniques:
, o Emotive Language – “cheap labour” vs “people”
contrasts dehumanisation with empathy.
o Tone Shift – From passive daughter to assertive
moral voice.
o Contrast – Sheila’s reaction opposes her father’s
capitalist attitude.
Analysis:
o Sheila begins to align with the Inspector’s views,
breaking from her family’s values.
o Highlights Priestley’s message about social
responsibility and class equality.
o Signals her character development.
3. "If we were all responsible for everything that
happened to everybody we’d had anything to do with, it
would be very awkward, wouldn’t it?" – Mr Birling
Context:
o Said during his interrogation in Act 1, trying to deny
accountability.
o Reflects the play’s central theme of responsibility.
Techniques:
o Rhetorical Question – Used dismissively to avoid
guilt.
o Irony – The play shows that we are connected and
responsible.
o Colloquial Tone – Makes him seem casual and
flippant about serious matters.
Analysis:
o Shows Birling’s refusal to accept moral accountability.
o Priestley uses this to expose the flaws in capitalist,
individualist thinking.
