An Inspector Calls Quotes
Inspector Quotes in Act 1
The “impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness” - Suggests
that the Inspector takes over the power dynamic as soon as he enters
from Mr Birling; the rule of three emphasises this dominance + gravitas
within his manner; the plain description contrasts with Birling's grand
home.
“She’d swallowed a lot of strong disinfectant. Burnt her inside out, of
course” - The blunt tone of the Inspector, with graphic imagery to describe
suicide, contrasts heavily with the use of euphemisms by the Birling family
('horrid business'), suggesting his aim of getting to the bottom of the
investigation + providing responsibility to members of the Birling family
for the death of Eva Smith.
“Better to ask for the world than to take it” - Socialist comment, helping
one another. Priestley uses the Inspector to project his socialist views.
“A nasty mess somebody’s made of it” - Reminds Mr Birling of his
responsibility for Eva Smith's death, holding the upper class responsible
for the lower class (again, collective responsibility).
Sheila Quotes in Act 1
“Sorry! ... I can’t help thinking about this girl - destroying herself so
horribly” - Is a very strong emotional response invoked by Sheila when
hearing the news, an early impression to the reader as more caring and
empathetic (Priestley immediately distinguishes attitudes towards less
fortunate in the old/young generation as a result), suggests she is shielded
+ lives a comfortable life.
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people.” - Again, this
suggests her naiveness (doesn't know the hardship of the working class
within Edwardian England, her early impression of her as orally superior to
her parents, similar socialist view of Inspector concerning collective
responsibility of upper class to support lower class (however, situational
irony due to her causing Eva Smith to be fired).
“Did it make much difference to her?” “So I'm responsible?” - Suggests the
development of her character, becoming more socially aware of the effect
of her actions on Eva Smith (a microcosm of society).
“(laughs rather hysterically) Why, you fool - he knows - of course he
knows” - Sheila defying social norms (most intelligent and observant, has
realised Inspector breaks down flaws of individual characters), laughs at
foolishness of Gerald, character development from naive to observant.
Mr Birling's Quotes in Act 1
“- the Titanic - she sails next week ... - and unsinkable, absolutely
unsinkable” - Priestley employs dramatic irony here, suggesting early on
Mr Birling's sense of pride and foolishness over the luxury goods and
innovation present at the time (Titanic was a symbol of luxury).
Inspector Quotes in Act 1
The “impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness” - Suggests
that the Inspector takes over the power dynamic as soon as he enters
from Mr Birling; the rule of three emphasises this dominance + gravitas
within his manner; the plain description contrasts with Birling's grand
home.
“She’d swallowed a lot of strong disinfectant. Burnt her inside out, of
course” - The blunt tone of the Inspector, with graphic imagery to describe
suicide, contrasts heavily with the use of euphemisms by the Birling family
('horrid business'), suggesting his aim of getting to the bottom of the
investigation + providing responsibility to members of the Birling family
for the death of Eva Smith.
“Better to ask for the world than to take it” - Socialist comment, helping
one another. Priestley uses the Inspector to project his socialist views.
“A nasty mess somebody’s made of it” - Reminds Mr Birling of his
responsibility for Eva Smith's death, holding the upper class responsible
for the lower class (again, collective responsibility).
Sheila Quotes in Act 1
“Sorry! ... I can’t help thinking about this girl - destroying herself so
horribly” - Is a very strong emotional response invoked by Sheila when
hearing the news, an early impression to the reader as more caring and
empathetic (Priestley immediately distinguishes attitudes towards less
fortunate in the old/young generation as a result), suggests she is shielded
+ lives a comfortable life.
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people.” - Again, this
suggests her naiveness (doesn't know the hardship of the working class
within Edwardian England, her early impression of her as orally superior to
her parents, similar socialist view of Inspector concerning collective
responsibility of upper class to support lower class (however, situational
irony due to her causing Eva Smith to be fired).
“Did it make much difference to her?” “So I'm responsible?” - Suggests the
development of her character, becoming more socially aware of the effect
of her actions on Eva Smith (a microcosm of society).
“(laughs rather hysterically) Why, you fool - he knows - of course he
knows” - Sheila defying social norms (most intelligent and observant, has
realised Inspector breaks down flaws of individual characters), laughs at
foolishness of Gerald, character development from naive to observant.
Mr Birling's Quotes in Act 1
“- the Titanic - she sails next week ... - and unsinkable, absolutely
unsinkable” - Priestley employs dramatic irony here, suggesting early on
Mr Birling's sense of pride and foolishness over the luxury goods and
innovation present at the time (Titanic was a symbol of luxury).
