Other characters - DURING INSPECTOR

Question 1

“I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it.” (Act 2)

Mrs Birling

Answer 1

The repetition shows emotional resistance and complete denial of the Inspector’s revelation.

Question 2

“Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility.” (Act 2)

Mrs Birling

Answer 2

Again, like Mr Birling, she looks to throw the blame onto someone else. Irony: the audience knows the father is Eric, her own son.

Question 3

“You killed her. She came to you to protect me – and you turned her away… your own grandchild – you killed them both.” (Act 2)

Answer 3

Repetition of “you killed” intensifies the blame and evokes the emotional weight of Sybil’s actions. The contrast between “protect me” and “turned her away” highlights Sybil’s failure of compassion.

Question 4

“Well, I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty.” (Act 2)

Answer 4

Use of the euphemism “turns nasty” avoids confronting the full horror of his behaviour—implying possible sexual coercion. Eric begins to acknowledge wrongdoing but still struggles to express accountability fully.

Question 5

“She was young and pretty and warm-hearted – and intensely grateful.” (Act 2)

Answer 5

“grateful” implies power imbalance—she was dependent on him. His attempt at justifying the relationship reveals a lack of full accountability. Priestley uses Gerald to explore how upper-class men exploit working-class women

Question 6

“I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me.” (Act 2)

Answer 6

Suggests lack of emotional responsibility, even as he tries to appear honest. Shows emotional imbalance in the relationship—he had control and detachment, she had vulnerability and attachment.