An inspector calls Flashcards
(7 cards)
“As if we were all mixed together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense”
The zoomorphism characterizes society, linking the lower class to his dehumanizing belief. This reflects his degradation and mockery of collective responsibility, as he believes it is animalistic behavior fit for only those deemed insignificant. As a microcosm for capitalism, he dismisses the idea of intertwining his responsibilities with those of others. The audience hates Mr Birling from the offset, therefore hating capitalism.
the hyphen prompts a theatrical pause before ‘community’. This emphasizes the physical repulsion to the concept as he is unable to vocalize. acts as a microcosm for capitalist ideologies, he becomes vilified for his rejection of the idea of community.
WOW: Priestley followed Aristotle’s three unities in play of time, place, and action. Set in one day, singular location of dining room, following one plot of Eva’s death. Keeps audience focused on Mr B’s unscrupulous actions
“Look mummy - isn’t it a beauty?”
“The short, simplistic sentence reflects how society silences her as a young woman perceived as inferior, also highlighting her disenfranchisement. Despite her privileged social status, Sheila remains oppressed and marginalized. ‘Mummy’ suggests an infantile and sheltered perspective, illustrating how her social class shields her from the harsh realities of life. The fact she is mesmerized by the ring’s beauty is almost ironic as she is only valued by society for her perceived beauty and external looks. The objectification of both Sheila and Eva shows that despite being from different social classes, both are still objectified and valued for external appearance, as they are described as ‘pretty’. “
“There’ll be a public scandal”
Rather than admitting to his crime, he deploys euphemistic language to
brand it as a mere scandal. This exacerbates his stubbornness, as he refuses to acknowledge the truth and fees no remorse for his exploitation. This implies the hesitancy he feels to confront his crime, in fear that doing so would destroy his careful crafted facade. He is a stagnant character as he persists this self-serving outlook, ignoring moral and civic obligations as a member of society. Priestley uses dramatic irony here as the 1945 audience would understand the true extent of society’s upheaval following the two world wars and the Titanic sinking.
WOW: the Well-Made Play structure popularized by Eugene Scribe, relies on detailed cause-and-effect relationships to build dramatic tension. This is seen by Mr B’s fear of a ‘public scandal’ which epitomizes a moment of rising tension
“What he made me
feel. Fire and blood
and anguish”
“Sheila serves as the Inspector’s proxy, exemplified by her precise
emulation, including the deliberate repetition of the polysyndeton on ‘and’. This illuminates Sheila’s desperate attempt to emphasises the relentless consequences of a lack of a social consequence to her obdurate parents and her fiancé, indoctrinated with capitalist beliefs. She acts as a moral compass to her family, showcasing her evolution towards empathy. Her use of the personal pronoun ‘me’ shows he is genuinely remorseful. Her awareness extends beyond personal remorse. “
“We are members of
one body”
“This directly links to biblical teachings used in baptism, that we are ‘members of his body’ in Christ. The inspector promotes the union of society and togetherness reinforcing his spreading of Christianity and foundational teachings. His final speech can be seen as salvation for Birlings. The imagery of ‘one’ is a poignant reminder of socialist belief that profound interconnection binds humanity together. It’s the Birlings’ moral imperative to recognize and fulfil their duty to care for their community and members of society. “
“if men will not learn that lesson, they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish”
The polysyndeton highlights the perpetual torment awaiting those who
avoid their moral and civic duties as well as absolve themselves from guilt. This alludes to WW2, inspector acts as Priestley’s mouthpiece to symbolise humanity’s failure to learn from past mistakes, leading to further ‘blood and anguish’. ‘Fire, blood, anguish’ have a semantic field of hell. Capitalism encourages hellish behaviour whereas socialism brings salvation, linking to 1945 audience wanting peace and unity after living through two world wars. The inspector is portrayed as an agent of God trying to bring the Birlings back to a foundation of morality.
“what he made me feel. fire and blood and anguish”
Sheila serves as the Inspector’s proxy, exemplified by her precise emulation, including the deliberate repetition of the polysyndeton of ‘and’. This illuminates Sheila’s desperate attempt to emphasize the relentless consequences of a lack of a social consequence to her obdurate parents and her fiancé, indoctrinated with capitalist beliefs. She acts as a moral compass to her family, showcasing her evolution towards empathy. Her use of the personal pronoun ‘me’ shows he is genuinely remorseful. Her awareness extends beyond personal remorse.
