Act 1- Quotes

Question 1

Which quote shows Mr Birlings pride is his business?

Answer 1

’ I speak as a hard-headed business man.’

Question 2

Which quote shows that Birling’s political ideology is destined to sink like the titanic?

(Quote is from Birling)

Answer 2

‘Titanic- New- York in five days- and every luxury- and unsinkable absolutely unsinkable.’

• Dramatic irony used, symbolizes that just as the titanic was destined to sink so was Birlings political ideology, under the Inspectors interrogation.
• Use of repetition

Question 3

Gibe a quote which shows that Gerald and Birling have the same values:

Answer 3

Gerald [laughs]: ‘You seem ti be a nice- well behaved family-‘
Birling: ‘We think we are-‘

• Dramatic irony is used. These lines suggest the alliance between the Crofts and Birlings.

Question 4

Which quote shows Birlings, individualist, capitalist point of view?

Answer 4

’ That a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own and-‘

We hear the sharp ring of a front door bell.

• Dramatic irony used. Birling here is presented as a capitalists and it is no accident that the socialist- leaning inspector arrives at this moment and cuts Birling speech.

Question 5

Which quote shows the Inspectors authoritative personality?

Answer 5

’ I’d like some information if you don’t mind’

• Here the inspector is not actually asking a question. He is showing that he is not intimidated by the Birlings and their power.

Question 6

Which quote shows that Sheila takes responsibility for contributing to the death of Eva?

Answer 6

Sheila [miserably]: ‘So i’m responsible?’

• Sheila clearly feels guilty and responsible for what she did at Milwards. She is the first character who accepts the guilt and responsibility from the Inspector.

Question 7

Which quote shows that Gerald fears that the inspector will expose his relations with Eva?

Answer 7

Gerald [to Sheila]: ‘So for God’s sake- don;t say anything to the inspector’

• Gerald believes that he can hide his affair with Eva/ Daisy from the inspector.
• Sheila believes that the Inspector will find out anyway and that nothing can be hide from the Inspector.
• This is the first sign of the omniscient nature of god- like characteristics of the Inspector.