an inspector calls quotes Flashcards
(24 cards)
‘You’d think that everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive’ - Mr Birling
social responsibility - It expresses his disdain for socialist ideas and his belief in individual responsibility over collective action. Mr. Birling uses the analogy of “bees in a hive” to dismiss the notion that people should be interconnected and look after one another. He finds the idea of a community, where everyone cares for everyone else, to be absurd and unnecessary.
‘It’s my duty to keep labour costs down’ - Mr Birling
It is used to illustrate Birling’s prioritizing of profit and business interests over the well-being of his workers. This statement highlights his disregard for social responsibility and his focus on minimizing expenses to maximize profits.
In the play, Arthur Birling uses this phrase to justify his refusal to raise the wages of his factory workers, including Eva Smith, who later dies as a result of his actions. He sees it as a duty to his business, rather than a concern for the lives and well-being of his employees. This highlights Birling’s capitalist mindset, which Priestley uses to criticize the social inequalities and lack of empathy prevalent in his time.
‘If you don’t come down hard on these people, they’ll soon be asking for the earth’ - Mr Birling
it becomes even clearer that he thinks it is his personal obligation to put the lower classes in their place.
‘We’re respectable citizens and not criminals’ - Mr Birling
The quote implies that the upper class believes they are above reproach and not accountable for their actions, especially those that affect the working class. The statement is ironic because the Inspector exposes the Birlings’ involvement in Eva Smith’s death, demonstrating that their social status does not protect them from the consequences of their actions. The quote contrasts with the Inspector’s message about social responsibility, highlighting the upper class’s failure to consider the impact of their actions on others, particularly the working class
‘I told him if they didn’t get rid of that girl, I’d never go near the place again and I’d persuade mother to close our
account’ - Sheila
Sheila’s words highlight her entitled and childish behavior. She’s easily angered and doesn’t consider the impact of her actions on others, especially those of a lower social standing than herself. Sheila uses her family’s wealth and social standing to get rid of Eva Smith. She threatens to close her family’s account with Milwards if they don’t fire Eva, showing how she leverages her privilege for personal gain. Sheila’s words reveal her limited understanding of the working class. She doesn’t seem to grasp the difficult circumstances Eva Smith faced, particularly as a young, single woman.
‘If she’d been some miserable, plain little creature, I don’t suppose I’d have done it’ - Sheila
The phrase “plain little creature” shows Sheila’s preference for beauty and her dismissal of individuals who don’t fit her aesthetic ideals. Sheila’s admission that she wouldn’t have acted the same way if Eva Smith had been different reveals her self-serving motivations and lack of concern for others. The quote highlights the superficiality of Sheila’s character and the wider societal issues of class inequality and judging individuals based on appearance.
’ll never, never do it again to anybody… I feel I can never go there again’ - Sheila
Sheila’s statement demonstrates her newfound understanding of the impact of her actions on others. She accepts responsibility for her part in Eva Smith’s death, unlike the other members of the Birling family, who initially try to deflect blame. Sheila’s statement highlights her growth as a character. Unlike her parents, who remain stuck in their capitalist ways, Sheila is willing to learn from her mistakes and strive for a more just and equitable society.
‘If I could help her now, I would –’ - Sheila
The quote directly implies Sheila’s guilt and regret for her role in Eva’s suffering. She acknowledges that she could have done something to prevent the tragedy, highlighting her newfound social conscience. The line “If I could help her now…” indicates that Sheila is not dwelling on the past but is focused on the present moment and the possibility of making amends. This demonstrates her growing understanding of the Inspector’s message about social responsibility and the interconnectedness of people’s lives.
‘All she wanted was to talk – a little friendliness’ - Gerald
The phrase emphasizes the basic human need for connection and kindness. Eva’s desire was not for material wealth or a complicated relationship, but simply for someone to talk to and feel understood. Gerald’s initial response was driven by a desire to help, a feeling of pity, and a desire to be seen as a kind and helpful individual. The phrase also touches upon the theme of exploitation, as Gerald’s actions, while initially motivated by sympathy, ultimately lead to Eva’s exploitation and tragic death.
‘So I insisted on Daisy moving into those rooms and I made her take some money’ - Gerald
eveals a complex and manipulative dynamic between him and Eva Smith/Daisy, later revealed to be one of the central figures in the play. This statement highlights Gerald’s attempts to control and exploit Eva, using his wealth and position to secure his own desires and needs. Gerald’s actions, including the insistence on moving Eva into the rooms and the provision of money, portray him as a self-interested individual who uses his wealth to control and manipulate those less fortunate than him. He prioritizes his own pleasure and gratification, even at the expense of Eva’s well-being and dignity. This is further highlighted when he later states, “I became at once the most important person in her life”.
‘She didn’t blame me at all. I wish to God she had now. Perhaps I’d feel better about it.’ - Gerald
Geralld does take some responsibility for his actions showing some remorse for what he had done by leading her on how he did for his own satifaction.
‘I didn’t feel the way about her as she felt about me.’ - Gerald
Gerald’s admission demonstrates a lack of empathy and a focus on his own desires rather than the emotional needs of Eva Smith. He prioritizes his social standing and future with Sheila, even at the expense of Eva’s well-being. Gerald’s words suggest that he took advantage of Eva’s vulnerability and desperation, using her for his own pleasure without genuine affection or commitment. This highlights the unequal power dynamic between them, with Gerald being in a position of privilege and control. The quote contrasts with Sheila’s initial naivety and eventual growth in empathy and responsibility. Sheila’s willingness to take ownership of her actions, even though Gerald is involved, shows a maturity that Gerald lacks.
‘As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money’ - Mrs Birling
Labelling of Eva diminishes her to a ‘girl’ rather than a woman and ‘of that sort’ suggests how superior she feels. Moreover, she feels morally superior because the poor are always after money. This is ironic because it’s the financial advantage in the alliance between Croft and Birling that so excites him. This desire for money is just as much apparent in the rich, in fact more so because they are claiming much more money; Eva just wanted a couple of more shillings per week.
‘Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility’ - Mrs Birling
This quote is a prime example of Mrs. Birling’s refusal to take accountability for her actions. She immediately deflects blame onto the father, even though she was directly involved in Eva Smith’s suffering. The audience, however, is aware that the father is actually Mrs. Birling’s own son, Eric. This creates dramatic irony, as Mrs. Birling is unknowingly criticizing her own son.
‘I did nothing I’m ashamed of.’ - Mrs Birling
When confronted by the Inspector about her involvement in Eva’s life, Mrs. Birling firmly asserts that she “did nothing I’m ashamed of”. This statement is a clear rejection of any personal responsibility for the consequences of her actions. Her statement reveals a deep lack of empathy and a strong sense of class superiority. She believes Eva deserved her fate and is unwilling to acknowledge the injustice that she, along with the other Birlings, played a part in.
‘She was claiming elaborate fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd for a girl in her position’ - Mrs Birling
reveals Mrs. Birling’s disdain for Eva Smith and her working-class background. It showcases Mrs. Birling’s prejudiced view that individuals from lower social classes are incapable of possessing sophisticated emotions or moral standards.
‘I was in that state where a chap easily turns nasty and I threatened to make a row’ - Eric
suggests that Eric did not do an ethical thing because he had the upper hand as if someone did something that did not please him, he would become violent which could become dangerous. Eric reveals that he forced himself on Eva Smith. He used his power as the son of an influential man to threaten to make things difficult for her.
‘I wasn’t in love with her or anything – but I liked her – she was pretty and a good sport’ - Eric
Eric’s dismissive tone and lack of emotional investment in Eva illustrate his inability to understand or acknowledge the impact of his actions on others. By describing Eva as “pretty” and “a good sport,” Eric reduces her to a physical object and a passive partner in his sexual desires. This objectification reflects the misogynistic views prevalent in the time period, where women were often seen as objects of pleasure rather than individuals with their own desires.
‘You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble’ - Eric
The quote directly acknowledges the breakdown in communication and emotional connection between Eric and Mr. Birling. Eric’s words reflect a deep-seated sense of being unloved and unappreciated by his father. Priestley uses this quote to highlight the theme of parental responsibility and its impact on a child’s development. Eric’s words reveal how a lack of emotional support can contribute to a young person’s difficulties and choices. This quote also reflects Eric’s immaturity and his initial tendency to deflect responsibility. He’s still struggling to understand the gravity of his actions and the impact they have on others. However, by the end of the play, Eric undergoes a significant transformation, taking responsibility for his behavior and expressing genuine remorse for his actions.
‘I insisted on giving her enough money to keep her going’ - Eric
Eric’s words indicate he provided Eva with money, which initially seemed like an act of kindness and support, especially after she became pregnant. Eric’s statement reveals his growing awareness of his moral responsibility towards Eva, even though he initially treated her in a selfish and disrespectful manner, as evidenced by his drunken actions and the way he used her for his own pleasure. Eric’s words also reflect a shift in his character as he grapples with his actions and the consequences of his behavior, ultimately leading him to accept responsibility for his role in Eva’s suicide. Eric’s confession, along with the Inspector’s investigation, serves as a powerful critique of the capitalist society and the social injustices that led to Eva’s downfall.
‘Each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget it’ - Inspector
The Inspector speaks plainly, refusing to soften the blow or offer any excuses for the Birling family’s involvement in Eva’s death. The quote directly confronts the family’s selfishness and their lack of consideration for the suffering of others. By urging them to “Remember that. Never forget it,” the Inspector hopes to inspire a change in their attitude and behavior, encouraging them to be more mindful of the impact of their actions.
The Inspector’s statement serves as a symbolic representation of social injustice, highlighting the vulnerability of the working class and the need for a more equitable society.
‘There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us’ - Inspector
The Inspector’s repeated use of “millions” emphasizes the vast number of individuals affected by the same problems Eva Smith faced. This repetition underscores the severity and pervasiveness of the issue. The characters of Eva Smith and John Smith are symbolic representations of the working class, particularly the marginalized and exploited. By using these names, the Inspector connects the Birlings’ actions to the suffering of many others.
The phrase “still left with us” reinforces the idea that the problem is ongoing and requires immediate attention. The “us” implies a collective responsibility for addressing the social issues and preventing further harm to those like Eva Smith.
‘We are members of one body’ - Inspector
The Inspector’s use of the “one body” metaphor emphasizes the interconnectedness of society. Just as different parts of a body rely on each other for survival, so too do individuals within society. The pain or suffering of one person can impact the entire system. The Inspector’s words are a didactic lesson, urging the Birling family and, by extension, the audience, to acknowledge their social obligations. The play highlights the consequences of neglecting one’s duty to others and the importance of empathy and understanding.
‘If men will not learn that lesson, they will be taught it in blood and fire and anguish’ - Inspector
The Inspector’s words are a core message of the play, emphasizing that individuals have a responsibility to act with empathy and kindness towards others, particularly those less fortunate. The quote warns of the dire consequences of selfishness and indifference, suggesting that a society that ignores the plight of its members will ultimately face chaos and suffering. The Inspector’s words, delivered at the end of the play, can be interpreted as a prophecy, foretelling the potential for war, revolution, and other forms of social upheaval if people don’t learn from the mistakes of the past.
