Quotes + Analysis

Question 1

First quote for Mr Birling

Answer 1

All mixed up like bees in a hive

Act 1

Question 2

Second quote for Mr Birling

Answer 2

Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable

Act 1

Question 3

Third quote for Mr Birling

Answer 3

The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke-[Telephone rings sharply]

Act 3 = the last line by Mr Birling in the play

Question 4

Fourth quote for Mr Birling

Answer 4

You! You don’t seem to care about anything. But I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours List.

Act 3

Question 5

Fifth quote for Mr Birling

Answer 5

a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own-and-[We hear the sharp ring of a front doorbell.]

Question 6

First quote for Mrs Birling

Answer 6

As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse any money

Act 2

Question 7

Second quote for Mrs Birling

Answer 7

You know, of course, that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate

Act 2

Question 8

Third quote for Mrs Birling

Answer 8

She was claiming elaborate fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her position

Act 2

Question 8

Fourth quote for Mrs Birling

Answer 8

No, of course not. He’s only a boy

Act 2

Question 9

Fifth quote for Mrs Birling

Answer 9

I used my influence to have it refused

Act 2

Question 10

First quote for Sheila

Answer 10

[Slowly, carefully now] You musn’t try to build up a sort of wall between us and that girl

Act 2

Question 11

Second quote for Sheila

Answer 11

I tell - whoever that Inspector was, it was anything but a joke

Act 3

Question 12

Third quote for Sheila

Answer 12

[laughs rather hysterically] Why-you fool- he knows. Of course, he knows.

Act 1

Question 13

Fourth quote for Sheila

Answer 13

But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people

Act 1

Question 14

Fifth quote for Sheila

Answer 14

Now I feel really engaged

Act 1

Question 15

First quote for Eric

Answer 15

Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices

Act 1

Question 16

Second quote for Eric

Answer 16

I don’t - really. Suddenly felt I just had to laugh

Act 1

Question 17

Third quote for Eric

Answer 17

You killed her-and the child she’d have had too-my child!

Act 3

Question 18

Fourth quote for Eric

Answer 18

I was in the state when a chap easily turns nasty

Act 3

Question 19

Fifth quote for Eric

Answer 19

[shouting ] And I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her-and that’s what matters-

Act 3

Question 20

First quote for Inspector Goole

Answer 20

I didn’t do it. She’s upsetting herself

Act 1

Question 21

Second quote for Inspector Goole

Answer 21

Millions and millions and millions of Eva Smith and John Smiths still left with us

Question 22

Third quote for Inspector Goole

Answer 22

We are members of one body-we are responsible for each other

Act 3

Question 23

Fourth quote for Inspector Goole

Answer 23

the time will soon come when, if men will not that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish

Act 3

Question 24

Fifth quote for Inspector Goole

Answer 24

Need not be a big man but he creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness.

Question 25

First quote for Gerald

Answer 25

I suppose it was inevitable. She was young and pretty and warm-hearted and intensely grateful Act 2

Question 26

Second quote for Gerald

Answer 26

She's had a long, exciting and tiring day...and now she's obvious had about as much as she can stand Act 2

Question 27

Third quote for Gerald

Answer 27

After all, y'know , we're respectable citizens and not dangerous criminals Act 1

Question 28

Fourth quote for Gerald

Answer 28

I'm rather more-upset-by this business than I probably appear to be- Act 2

Question 29

Fifth quote for Gerald

Answer 29

Everything's all right now Sheila Act 3

Question 30

First quote for Eva Smith/Daisy Renton

Answer 30

She'd swallowed a lot of strong disinfectant. Burnt her inside out, of course Act 1

Question 31

Second quote for Eva Smith/Daisy Renton

Answer 31

She'd had a lot to say - far too much- so she had to go Act 1

Question 32

Third quote for Eva Smith/Daisy Renton

Answer 32

She didn't want me to marry her. Said I didn't love her-and all that Act 3