An Inspector Calls

Question 1

Social responsibility

Answer 1

“We are responsible for each other.” (Inspector Goole)

“We don’t live alone. We are members of one body.” (Inspector Goole)

“The fact remains that I did what I did.” (Sheila)

“I’m ashamed of you.” (Sheila to her family)

“Each of you helped to kill her.” (Inspector Goole)

Question 2

Guilt and consequences

Answer 2

“She was here alone, friendless, almost penniless, desperate.” (Inspector Goole)

“I felt rotten about it at the time and now I feel a lot worse.” (Eric)

“It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it.” (Inspector Goole)

“I’m rather more upset by this business than I probably appear to be.” (Arthur Birling)

“I’m not a child, don’t forget. I’ve a right to know.” (Sheila)

Question 3

Class divide?

Answer 3

“You’re squiffy.” (Arthur Birling to Gerald, dismissing his concerns)

“You’re just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted.” (Arthur Birling to Gerald, emphasizing his social status)

“You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can’t.” (Sheila, acknowledging her privilege)

“It’s about time you learnt to face a few responsibilities.” (Arthur Birling to Eric)

“I haven’t much time.” (Inspector Goole, implying the urgency for change)

Question 4

Gender

Answer 4

“I think it was a mean thing to do.” (Sheila, expressing her disapproval of Gerald’s affair)

“Girls of that class.” (Mrs. Birling, dismissing Eva Smith’s plight)

“I think you might have asked me first.” (Sheila, asserting her independence)

“I’m sorry, Daddy. Actually, I was listening.” (Sheila, challenging her father’s assumptions)

“But these girls aren’t cheap labour—they’re people.” (Sheila, advocating for workers’ rights)