An inspector calls Flashcards
AQA A-Level English Literature B (7717)
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'We are members of one body'
Spoken by the Inspector, this highlights Priestley's socialist message, emphasising collective responsibility and the interconnectedness of society.
'The lighting should be pink and intimate until the Inspector arrives, and then it should be brighter and harder'
Stage direction symbolising the shift from the Birling family's comfortable ignorance to the harsh reality and scrutiny brought by the Inspector.
'A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself'
Mr Birling's capitalist ideology contrasts with the Inspector's socialist views, setting up the central conflict of the play.
'But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people'
Sheila challenges her father’s exploitation of workers, showing her growing awareness of social injustice and Priestley's critique of capitalism.
'If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish'
The Inspector warns of the consequences of ignoring social responsibility, referencing the wars and societal upheaval of Priestley's time.
'The Germans don’t want war'
Mr Birling’s naive optimism reflects his ignorance and undermines his credibility, as the audience knows war is imminent.
'Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable'
Mr Birling’s comment about the Titanic symbolises his arrogance and the flawed certainty of capitalist ideals.
'Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices'
Eric challenges his father’s hypocrisy, showing Priestley’s critique of capitalist exploitation.
'I speak as a hard-headed business man'
Mr Birling’s self-description highlights his pride in capitalism and his lack of empathy, which Priestley critiques.
'Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges'
The Inspector reminds Mr Birling of the moral obligations of those in power, reinforcing Priestley’s theme of social responsibility.
'She was young and pretty and warm-hearted – and intensely grateful'
Gerald’s description of Eva reveals his exploitation of her vulnerability, highlighting gender and class inequalities.
'I didn’t install her there so that I could make love to her'
Gerald’s attempt to justify his actions shows his moral blindness and inability to accept full responsibility.
'You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble'
Eric’s criticism of Mr Birling highlights the generational divide and the failure of patriarchal authority.
'I’ll never, never do it again to anybody'
Sheila’s remorse shows her moral growth and acceptance of responsibility, contrasting with her parents’ attitudes.
'There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths'
The Inspector’s speech universalises Eva’s plight, emphasising the widespread nature of social injustice.
'As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!'
Mrs Birling’s prejudice against the working class reveals her lack of empathy and entrenched classism.
'We don’t live alone. We are responsible for each other'
The Inspector’s central message encapsulates Priestley’s socialist ideology and the play’s moral lesson.
'I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty'
Eric’s confession reveals his exploitation of Eva, highlighting issues of gender and power dynamics.
'You began to learn something. And now you’ve stopped'
Sheila criticises her parents for refusing to change, showing her moral development and Priestley’s hope in the younger generation.
'The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke'
Mr Birling’s dismissal of his children’s concerns reflects his arrogance and inability to learn from the Inspector’s visit.
'Girls of that class'
Mrs Birling’s dismissive attitude highlights her prejudice and lack of empathy towards the working class, reinforcing class divisions.
'I don’t come into this suicide business'
Gerald’s initial denial of responsibility reflects his moral blindness and reluctance to accept accountability.
'She was very pretty – soft brown hair and big dark eyes'
Gerald’s description of Eva objectifies her, showing how women are often reduced to their physical appearance.
'I blame the young man who was the father of the child'
Mrs Birling’s hypocrisy is exposed when she unknowingly condemns her own son, Eric, showing her moral failure.
'You’re beginning to pretend now that nothing’s really happened at all'
Sheila challenges her parents’ refusal to accept responsibility, showing her moral growth and Priestley’s hope in the younger generation.
'The point is, you don’t seem to have learnt anything'
Eric criticises his parents for their lack of change, reinforcing the generational divide and Priestley’s critique of older attitudes.
'We are all to blame'
Sheila’s acceptance of collective responsibility contrasts with her parents’ denial, embodying Priestley’s socialist message.
'I suppose we’re all nice people now'
Sheila’s sarcasm highlights the absurdity of her family’s relief after learning the Inspector may not be real, showing their moral failure.
'Each of you helped to kill her'
The Inspector’s direct accusation forces the characters to confront their individual roles in Eva’s demise, emphasising collective responsibility.
'There’s every excuse for what your mother and I did'
Mr Birling’s refusal to accept responsibility contrasts with Sheila and Eric’s remorse, showing generational differences.
'She had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go'
Mr Birling’s dismissal of Eva’s strike highlights his exploitation of workers and Priestley’s critique of capitalism.
'I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me'
Gerald’s confession reveals his emotional detachment and exploitation of Eva’s vulnerability, highlighting gender inequality.
'I wasn’t in love with her or anything'
Eric’s admission shows his lack of emotional connection to Eva, reinforcing the theme of exploitation and power imbalance.
'The Inspector need not be a big man but he creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purpose'
Stage direction emphasising the Inspector’s authority and moral weight, symbolising Priestley’s voice in the play.
'It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it'
The Inspector critiques Mr Birling’s capitalist greed, reinforcing the theme of social justice and responsibility.
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