GCSE English Literature

Class in An Inspector Calls9 key quotes with full analysis.

Complete collection of quotes about class in An Inspector Calls for GCSE English Literature, exploring Priestley's critique of upper-class exploitation.

Understanding Class in An Inspector Calls

Priestley uses An Inspector Calls to expose the exploitation of the working class by the upper and middle classes. Set in 1912, a time of rigid class divisions and no welfare state, the play shows how each Birling uses their social position to exploit Eva Smith. She is fired from Birling's factory for striking for better wages, dismissed from Milwards due to Sheila's jealousy, and used by Gerald and Eric as a mistress.

Mrs Birling's attitude is particularly damning - she refuses Eva charity because “girls of that class” don't deserve help. The Inspector challenges this class prejudice, arguing that we are all equally valuable. Eva Smith's symbolic name (Eve = all women, Smith = common name) suggests she represents the entire exploited working class.

Social HierarchyWorking ClassCapitalismExploitation1912 Context

All Class Quotes

“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges”
Inspector GooleAct 1
Social ResponsibilityClassPower

Context: The Inspector challenges Birling's dismissal of his workers' welfare.

Analysis

The Inspector directly challenges upper-class entitlement. The balance of "responsibilities" and "privileges" suggests they should be equal. "Public men" implies those with power are accountable to society. This undermines Birling's self-serving philosophy.

Language Techniques:

Direct addressBalanced structureChallenge to authority

Exam Tip

Contrasts with Birling's "a man has to mind his own business." Shows conflicting ideologies.

“One Eva Smith has gone - but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us”
Inspector Goole
Social ResponsibilityClassUniversal Message

Context: The Inspector universalises Eva's story in his final speech.

Analysis

The repetition of "millions" emphasises the vast scale of social injustice. Eva becomes a symbol for all exploited working-class people. The common names "Smith" make her representative of ordinary people. The Inspector challenges the Birlings to see beyond their individual case.

Language Techniques:

RepetitionSymbolismUniversal application

Exam Tip

Eva represents the entire working class. Priestley wants the audience to see their own responsibility to "millions" of people.

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own”
Mr BirlingAct 1
CapitalismIndividualismClass

Context: Birling lectures Eric and Gerald about business and life.

Analysis

This encapsulates capitalist individualism that Priestley critiques. The tricolon of "mind," "look after," and "his own" emphasizes selfishness. It directly contradicts the Inspector's later message about collective responsibility. The possessive "his own" reveals his narrow worldview.

Language Techniques:

TricolonDeclarative statementPossessive pronouns

Exam Tip

This is the opposite of the Inspector's message. Birling represents the attitudes Priestley wants to change.

“I'm a hard-headed, practical man of business”
Mr BirlingAct 1
CapitalismSelf-imageArrogance

Context: Birling justifies his treatment of workers.

Analysis

"Hard-headed" and "practical" are meant as positives but suggest coldness and lack of compassion. The repetition of these self-descriptions reveals insecurity. He uses business to excuse moral failings. Priestley shows how capitalism can be used to justify cruelty.

Language Techniques:

Self-characterizationAdjectives

Exam Tip

His self-image is constantly undercut by events. "Hard-headed" also suggests inability to change.

“Community and all that nonsense”
Mr BirlingAct 1
CapitalismIndividualismDismissiveness

Context: Birling dismisses socialist ideas at the dinner party.

Analysis

"Nonsense" reveals Birling's contempt for collective responsibility. The dismissive "all that" shows he won't even engage with the argument. This attitude is exactly what the Inspector will challenge. Priestley positions the audience against Birling from the start.

Language Techniques:

Dismissive languageContempt

Exam Tip

Sets up the central conflict of the play. Birling's views will be systematically dismantled.

“It's my duty to keep labour costs down”
Mr BirlingAct 1
CapitalismExploitationResponsibility

Context: Birling justifies refusing Eva's pay rise.

Analysis

"Duty" frames exploitation as moral obligation - a perversion of responsibility. He sees workers as "costs" to be minimised, not people. This dehumanising language enables his cruel decision. Priestley shows how capitalist thinking erases human dignity.

Language Techniques:

EuphemismDehumanisationSelf-justification

Exam Tip

Birling uses the language of duty to avoid moral responsibility. Contrast with the Inspector's version of duty.

“But these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people”
Sheila
Social ResponsibilityClassMoralityChange

Context: Sheila challenges her father's attitude towards workers.

Analysis

The dash creates emphasis on "they're people," revealing her moral awakening. She recognises workers as human beings, not commodities. This simple statement carries enormous weight as it challenges the dehumanizing language of capitalism. Sheila represents hope for generational change.

Language Techniques:

AntithesisEmphatic dashDirect statement

Exam Tip

Shows Sheila's growth - she moves from shallow privilege to social awareness. She represents Priestley's hope.

“She was young and pretty and warm-hearted - and intensely grateful”
GeraldAct 2
ClassExploitationGender

Context: Gerald describes his relationship with Daisy Renton (Eva Smith).

Analysis

The listing sentimentalizes his exploitation. "Grateful" reveals the power imbalance - she depended on him entirely. Gerald presents himself as her savior while actually taking advantage of her vulnerability. His romantic language masks the reality of class-based exploitation.

Language Techniques:

ListingSentimentalitySelf-justification

Exam Tip

Gerald genuinely cared for Eva but still exploited her. Shows how even "kindness" can be exploitative.

“I became at once the most important person in her life”
GeraldAct 2
PowerClassGender

Context: Gerald describes his relationship with Eva/Daisy.

Analysis

Gerald's self-importance reveals the power dynamic. Eva's vulnerability made him "important" - he enjoyed the control. His pride in being essential to her shows he benefited from her desperation. The relationship was inherently unequal.

Language Techniques:

Self-importancePower dynamics

Exam Tip

Gerald's "rescue" still exploited Eva's vulnerability. Even well-intentioned relationships can be exploitative.

Explore More An Inspector Calls Themes

View quotes organised by other key themes including social responsibility, gender, and the generation gap.

All Inspector Calls QuotesSocial Responsibility