Other characters - AFTER INSPECTOR Flashcards
(8 cards)
“I was the only one who didn’t give in to him.”
Mrs Birling
The phrase “give in” reveals her perception of the Inspector as a threat to resist, not a moral voice to listen to. She equates moral reflection with weakness, reinforcing her role as a symbol of the unchanging older generation.
“In the morning they’ll be as amused as we are.”
Mrs Birling
The phrase “they’ll be” shows her expectation that everyone shares her dismissive outlook, and shows her return to social complacency with no lessons learnt. Reflects pre-WWI attitudes that dismissed warnings, leading to disaster.
“This girl’s still dead, isn’t she?”
Eric
Emphasises reality over illusion—while others discuss hoaxes, Eric focuses on consequences. “Still dead” is a blunt truth, conveying the irreversibility of their actions. Eric, like Sheila, represents youthful conscience and reform.
“You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can’t.”
Eric
“I can’t” is a powerful, honest admission of lasting guilt. Reflects Priestley’s belief that true responsibility is internal and not dependent on legal consequences. Eric’s refusal to forget signals a shift in generational values—towards empathy and reform.
“You’re ready to go on in the same old way.”
Sheila
Tone is accusatory and disappointed, showing Sheila’s moral transformation - complete contrast to the beginning. Priestley uses Sheila to embody the voice of the younger generation, open to reflection and reform. Post-WWII context: Sheila’s attitude mirrors growing calls for social justice and change in 1945 Britain.
“I suppose we’re all nice people now.” (sarcastic)
Sheila
Use of sarcasm is new for Sheila—it shows her awareness of hypocrisy. Juxtaposes their unchanged social appearance with the unchanged moral truth. Priestley uses this line to highlight how people use excuses to avoid guilt.
“There’s every excuse for what your mother and I did.”
Mr Birling
The phrase “every excuse” implies childish self-justification, not remorse. His use of “excuse” instead of “reason” suggests subconscious awareness of guilt, even as he denies it. Priestley is urging the public to reject this outdated moral evasiveness.
“The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke.”
Mr Birling
“Famous younger generation” is an attempt to undermine their authority—reflecting his insecurity. “Can’t even take a joke” is deeply ironic, since the subject (a possible suicide) is anything but humorous. This clearly shows the split mindsets of the 2 generations.
