‘An Inspector Calls’ – Key Quotes
Mr Birling
“You’re just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted” 4
“I’m talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business… there isn’t a chance of war” 6
“… unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable” 7
“…there’s a fair chance that I might find my way into the next Honour’s list” 8
“…we’ll try to keep out of trouble during the next few months” 9
“…a man has to make his own way – has to look after himself… community and all that
nonsense” 9/10 [key speech, as Inspector arrives]
“I can’t accept any responsibility” 14
“It’s my duty to keep labour costs down” 15
“She’d had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go” 15
“How do you get on with our Chief Constable, Colonel Roberts?” 16
“I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can” 54
“Probably a Socialist or some sort of crank” 60
Mrs Birling
“When you’re married you’ll realize that men with important work to do sometimes have to
spend nearly all their time and energy on their business” 3
“You know of course that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a
magistrate” 31
“I’m very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame” 41
“Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of” 42
“Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility” 45
“It wasn’t I who had her turned out of her employment – which probably began it all” 46
“She was claiming elaborate fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her
position” 46
“I accept no blame at all”; “I blame the young man who was the father of the child” 47
“You’re not the type – you don’t get drunk” 50
“I was the only one of you who didn’t give in to him” 63
Mr Birling
“You’re just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted” 4
“I’m talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business… there isn’t a chance of war” 6
“… unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable” 7
“…there’s a fair chance that I might find my way into the next Honour’s list” 8
“…we’ll try to keep out of trouble during the next few months” 9
“…a man has to make his own way – has to look after himself… community and all that
nonsense” 9/10 [key speech, as Inspector arrives]
“I can’t accept any responsibility” 14
“It’s my duty to keep labour costs down” 15
“She’d had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go” 15
“How do you get on with our Chief Constable, Colonel Roberts?” 16
“I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can” 54
“Probably a Socialist or some sort of crank” 60
Mrs Birling
“When you’re married you’ll realize that men with important work to do sometimes have to
spend nearly all their time and energy on their business” 3
“You know of course that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a
magistrate” 31
“I’m very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame” 41
“Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of” 42
“Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility” 45
“It wasn’t I who had her turned out of her employment – which probably began it all” 46
“She was claiming elaborate fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her
position” 46
“I accept no blame at all”; “I blame the young man who was the father of the child” 47
“You’re not the type – you don’t get drunk” 50
“I was the only one of you who didn’t give in to him” 63
