An Inspector Calls Flashcards
“I’m very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame” – Mrs Birling, An Inspector Calls
Juxtaposition / Contradiction
- “I’m very sorry” vs. “she had only herself to blame” shows a false sense of sympathy. She uses politeness to mask harsh judgment.
- This contrast highlights her coldness and hypocrisy.
“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” – Mrs Birling, An Inspector Calls
Technique:
- Gender Stereotyping / Patronising Tone
- Mrs Birling assumes that marriage equals accepting a man’s dominance. She speaks down to Sheila, implying she’ll just have to tolerate neglect because Gerald’s work is “important.”
Characterisation:
- Reinforces Patriarchy – Reflects traditional gender roles where women are expected to be submissive and support their husbands silently.
“Girls of that class” – Mrs Birling, An Inspector Calls
Technique:
Connotes belittling
- Reduces Eva and others like her to a stereotype, stripping them of individuality and humanity.
- It reflects dehumanisation and upper-class prejudice.
Characterisation:
- Shows Mrs Birling’s arrogance and moral superiority.
- Reveals her lack of empathy and moral superiority.
- She sees working-class women as beneath her, undeserving of help or respect.
Mrs Birling Quotes
- “girls of that class” - Prejudiced
“I’m very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame” - Self-righteous (Believes she is morally correct despite the consequences of her actions.) - “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” - Submissive (Accepts and upholds male dominance in marriage.)
“These girls aren’t cheap labour. They’re people” – Sheila, An Inspector Calls
Contrast / Emotive Language
- Sheila directly challenges her father’s capitalist views, contrasting “cheap labour” with “people” to emphasize human dignity over profit.
- Connotes growing empathy and moral awareness.
“You and I aren’t the same people who sat down to dinner here” – Sheila, An Inspector Calls
Metaphor / Realisation
- This metaphor suggests that Sheila and Gerald have changed through the course of the evening, especially Sheila, who has gained moral awareness and maturity.
- It highlights the emotional and ideological distance that has grown between them.
- Subvert to social norm.
“I suppose we’re all nice people now” – Sheila, An Inspector Calls
Sarcasm / Irony
- Sheila uses sarcasm to mock her family’s attempt to dismiss the evening’s events just because the Inspector may not have been “real.”
- It highlights the hypocrisy of claiming to be “nice” while refusing to take responsibility for their actions.
Characterisation:
- Sheila is deeply critical of her parents’ denial and unwillingness to change.
“Oh Gerald – You’ve got it – is it the one you wanted me to have?” – Sheila, An Inspector Calls
Dramatic Irony / Material Symbolism
- The ring represents more than just an engagement — it symbolizes social status, materialism, and the gender roles Sheila initially conforms to.
- Her excitement and the focus on what Gerald wants reflect her early naïveté and submission.
Characterisation:
- Sheila is portrayed as a young, impressionable woman, eager to please and fit into the role of the dutiful fiancée.
Well, I don’t blame you. But don’t forget I’m ashamed of you as well – yes both of you – Eric, An Inspector Calls
Juxtaposition
- The contrast shows that while he may understand their reasons, he rejects their values and is morally repulsed by their lack of remorse.
Direct Address / Emotive Language
- Eric uses direct, emotionally charged language to express his disgust and disappointment with his parents.
- The word “ashamed” carries powerful emotional weight, signalling a complete role reversal — the child now judges the parent.
“I wasn’t in love with her or anything… but I liked her… she was pretty and a good sport” – Eric, An Inspector Calls
Techniques:
Ephemerality
- His tone and choice of words (e.g., “liked”, “pretty”, “good sport”) show a lack of lasting emotional depth, presenting Eva as disposable — an experience rather than a person. (objectification)
Juxtaposition
- Eric juxtaposes “I wasn’t in love with her” with “I liked her” to minimise the emotional seriousness of his involvement.
- This contrast shows the conflict between emotional intimacy and physical attraction, exposing his immaturity and objectification of Eva.
Eric quotes
- “I wasn’t in love with her or anything… but I liked her… she was pretty and a good sport” -Immature (Reflects a shallow, youthful understanding of relationships and consequences.)
- “Well, I don’t blame you. But don’t forget I’m ashamed of you as well – yes both of you” - Remorseful (Shows guilt and regret for his part in Eva’s death.)
“We’re respectable citizens, not criminals” – Gerald, An Inspector Calls
Juxtaposition
- Contrasts “respectable citizens” with “criminals” to reflect the self-righteous mindset of the upper class.
- Suggests a binary worldview, where wealth and status equal moral superiority — something Priestley actively critiques.
Irony
- Gerald’s statement is deeply ironic, as the characters’ actions are shown to be morally corrupt, even if not legally criminal.
- They claim respectability while contributing to Eva Smith’s downfall — highlighting the moral decay hidden behind wealth and status.
“I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me” – Gerald, An Inspector Calls
Emotional Distance & Euphemism
- The bluntness of “didn’t feel” conveys emotional detachment, while also underplaying the imbalance in their relationship.
- The lack of remorse or depth in his wording suggests Gerald’s exploitation of Eva was calculated and selfish.
“I did keep a girl last summer. I’ve admitted it. And I’m sorry, Sheila.” – Gerald, An Inspector Calls
Three-Part List
- “Did… admitted… sorry” creates the sense of a conclusion, as if Gerald is checking off boxes and expects forgiveness to follow automatically.
- Suggests he believes the matter should be dropped now that he’s confessed — reflecting a lack of genuine remorse.
- Priestley criticises how the upper class excuses immoral behaviour in their own circle, especially when it’s men exploiting working-class women.
Gerald Quotes
- “We’re respectable citizens, not criminals” - Defensive (Gerald tries to justify his and the Birlings’ behavior by relying on social status.)
- ‘I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me.’ - Self-centered (Focuses on his own feelings, dismissing Eva’s deeper emotions.)
- “I did keep a girl last summer. I’ve admitted it. And I’m sorry, Sheila.” -Dismissive (The phrase “I’ve admitted it” implies he sees confession as enough, downplaying its impact)
“What happened to her… a chain of events”
Metaphor: “Chain of Events”
- Suggests cause and effect, where each character’s actions are linked and contribute to the final outcome — Eva’s death.
- The metaphor also evokes a chain as something binding, hinting at inescapable responsibility and moral accountability.
“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges” – Inspector Goole
Juxtaposition:
- “Responsibilities” vs “Privileges” highlights the moral imbalance in Mr. Birling’s worldview.
- Suggests that power shouldn’t just be enjoyed — it comes with ethical duties to others, especially the vulnerable.
“We are responsible for each other” – Inspector Goole
Inclusive Language:
- The phrase “we are” emphasizes collective responsibility and shared accountability. Priestley uses this inclusive language to encourage solidarity and community over individualism.
Direct Address:
- By using the pronoun “we”, the Inspector engages the audience directly, suggesting that everyone —is involved. This is a call to action for society to reflect on their own actions and relationships.
Priestley’s Purpose:
- Through the Inspector’s message, Priestley pushes for social change, encouraging a shift from selfishness and class division to a more inclusive and just society.
- His message resonates with socialist values, promoting the idea that wealth and power should be shared responsibly for the good of all, rather than hoarded by the few.
- “What happened to her… a chain of events” - Reflective (The Inspector makes the audience think deeply about the consequences of actions.)
- “Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges” -Humanitarian (Concerned with human welfare and social equality.)
- “We are responsible for each other”- Moralistic (His message is grounded in moral duty and the need for social justice.)
Eva Smith quotes
- “Girls of that class” - Dehumanised
- “She’d had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go” - Assertive (Eva spoke up for herself and others.)
- “I wasn’t in love with her or anything… but I liked her… she was pretty and a good sport” - Objectified (Reduced to her looks and how enjoyable she was to be around.)
“She’d had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go” – Mr. Birling
Dismissive Tone:
- Mr. Birling’s cold, matter-of-fact wording reflects his lack of empathy and how little he values the voices of the working class.
Repetition (“had to go”):
- The phrase implies finality and justification, as if her dismissal was inevitable simply because she spoke out. It shows how power silences dissent.
Euphemism:
- “Had to go” downplays the severity of what happened — the loss of a livelihood, suggesting a desire to avoid responsibility.
“I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can” – Mr. Birling
Modal Verb “got to”:
- Suggests urgency and obligation — it reveals his priority is self-preservation, not morality or justice.
Colloquial Tone:
Makes the moment feel more casual and instinctive, reinforcing how Mr. Birling’s automatic reaction is damage control, not reflection.
Dramatic Irony:
The audience knows Birling’s obsession with reputation is one of his key flaws. His desire to “cover up” aligns with earlier warnings from the Inspector about avoiding responsibility.
“I can’t accept any responsibility” – Mr. Birling
Denial & Evasion:
- The modal verb “can’t” suggests he refuses to see his role in Eva’s suffering — not that he’s unable to, but that he’s unwilling. This shows a deliberate avoidance of guilt.
Lack of Social Conscience:
- This line embodies Birling’s individualistic and capitalist mindset, where everyone is only responsible for themselves. It’s the complete opposite of the Inspector’s message.
Mr. Birling Quotes
- “She’d had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go” -dismissive (He quickly undermines Eva’s voice and right to speak.)
- “I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can” - deceitful (Focuses on hiding the truth rather than facing consequences)
- “I can’t accept any responsibility” - arrogant (Refuses to believe he could be at fault.)
