Guilt

• How many quotations relating to the theme of guilt are mentioned in J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls"?


  39 quotations
• What is the theme of guilt in J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls"?


  It is the feeling of badness about doing something wrong or failing to meet an obligation.
• What are some synonyms or related terms for guilt that might be useful in an exam?

  Regret, remorse, and shame.
• How does Gerald's response to Sheila about his absence in the previous summer reflect his feelings of guilt?


  Gerald lies about being busy at work, indicating he feels no guilt about his affair with Eva Smith.
• What does Mr. Burling's statement about accepting responsibility reveal about his feelings of guilt?


  He completely rejects any notion of guilt regarding Eva's death.
• How does Sheila's reaction to the photograph of Eva Smith demonstrate her feelings of guilt?

  Sheila's sob and her running out of the room indicate she is overwhelmed by guilt.
• What does Gerald's desire to be alone after the inspector's questioning suggest about his feelings of guilt?


  It suggests he wants time to reflect on his actions and feels guilty about his role in Eva's death.
• How does Mrs. Burling's admission of prejudice against Eva Smith reflect her feelings of guilt?


  She shows a lack of guilt by admitting her prejudice without remorse.
• What does Eva Smith's refusal to accept stolen money indicate about her character?


  It indicates she has high morals and feels guilty about accepting stolen money.
• How does Mrs. Burling's reaction to the revelation about Eric's involvement with Eva reflect her inability to accept guilt?


  Her refusal to believe that guilt lies within her family shows her delusion of privilege.
• What does the stage direction "agitated" reveal about Mrs. Burling's feelings towards guilt?


  It shows she is uncomfortable with the idea of her family being guilty.
• How does Eric's question "you know don't you" at the beginning of act three reflect his feelings of guilt?


  It suggests he is aware of the implications of his actions and feels guilty about them.
• Why is it difficult for Mrs. Burling to accept guilt for Eva's death?


  Because it is someone in her own family who is guilty, and she refuses to believe it.
• What does Mrs. Burling's refusal to accept guilt indicate about her character?


  It shows that she is deluded and believes her family cannot do wrong.
• What does the stage direction "agitated" reveal about Mrs. Burling's feelings?


  It shows her discomfort at the thought of her family's guilt.
• How does the quotation about Eva suggest the morality of the working class compared to the upper classes?


  It implies that the working class is more moral, while the upper classes are capable of immorality.
• What is the first line of dialogue in Act Three?


  Eric asks, "You know, don't you?"
• What does Eric's question reveal about his feelings of guilt?


  It shows he is confronting his guilt regarding Eva.
• How does Eric's use of euphemism in his confession affect the perception of his guilt?


  It suggests he is too guilty to directly admit his actions.
• What does Eric's inability to directly address his actions suggest about his character development?


  It suggests he is not used to accepting blame but is beginning to change.
• How does Eric's statement about his actions reflect his acceptance of guilt?


  He acknowledges his actions as undeniable facts and implicates his family as well.
• What does Eric's role become in the absence of Inspector Goole?


  He becomes the moral compass of the play.
• What happens at the conclusion of the play regarding Mr. Burling?


  He receives a phone call informing him that a police inspector is arriving.
• How do the characters react to the phone call at the end of the play?


  They react in a panic-stricken manner, revealing their guilt.
• What does the panic-stricken reaction of Mr. Burling signify about his understanding of guilt?


  It signifies that he realizes the consequences of his actions too late.
• What message might Priestley be conveying about guilt through the characters' reactions?


  He suggests that people should own up to their guilt rather than ignore it.
• How does the theme of guilt relate to Priestley's socialist beliefs?


  It emphasizes the need for social responsibility and kindness in society.
• What consequences do the characters face for ignoring their guilt?


  They may face legal punishments and social scandal.
• How does Priestley use the characters' denial of guilt to critique society?


  He shows that ignoring guilt leads to selfish behavior and societal harm.
• What does Eric's potential guilt about taking money from the family business suggest?

  It raises questions about his views on guilt and responsibility.
• How does the desire to prove Inspector Goole was a fraud relate to the characters' treatment of guilt?


  It suggests they want to deflect and ignore their guilt.
• What does a sense of relief about the inspector being fake imply about a character's feelings of guilt?


  It implies they do not feel guilty or are pleased to avoid punishment.
• What are the key themes of guilt in J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls"?


  • The consequences of ignoring guilt
  • The moral responsibility of individuals
  • The critique of selfish behavior in society
  • The importance of social conscience and kindness
• What should students consider when analyzing the theme of guilt in the play?

  • Priestley's intentions regarding guilt
  • The characters' reactions to guilt
  • The impact of guilt on social responsibility
  • The relationship between guilt and social class