Act 3- Quotes

Question 1

Which quote represent Birlings patriarchal actions?

Answer 1

Mr Birling [very sharply]: ‘You heard what I said’

-Here Birling want the women to leave. Birling is losing his temper and trying to control the situation at the same time by using his patriarchal actions- Removing the women.

Question 2

Which quote shows that Eric always looks for a way out of a difficult situation?

Answer 2

Eric: ‘You’re not the type of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble’

• Eric is weak- willed and tries to find a way out. Here he blames his father for being unapproachable.
• Them: Young vs Old

Question 3

Give a quote where Birling implies that Eric is a fool:

Answer 3

Birling: ‘ Why you hysterical young fool- get back- or I’ll-‘

• Here Birling calls Eric a fool because he is too young. He is saying that Eric cannot control his feelings- he is ‘hysterical’. Ironically it is the older Arthur who nearly resorts to violence.

Question 4

Which quote shows that everyone is responsible for each other?

Answer 4

Inspector: ‘We are member of one body. We are responsible for each other’

• Theme: Socialism vs Capitalism

Question 5

Which quote shows that Birling has not accepted his responsibility?

Answer 5

Birling: ‘… we’ve been had… it makes all the difference’
Gerald: ‘ Of course!’

• It is evident the the older generation and Gerald have not learnt their lesson and continue with their old ways.
• Theme: old vs young

Question 6

Which quote shows that only Sheila and Eric have learnt their lessons?

Answer 6

Sheilas: ‘you’ve began to learn something and now you have stopped.’

• Sheila and Eric are the only characters who have changed. They are able to reflect on their actions and feel guilt.