AIC Act 1

• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Responsibility, Capitalism vs. Socialism
  • Analysis: Mr. Birling’s speech emphasizes his belief in self-reliance and individualism, a capitalist view. His pause before mentioning his family suggests that he values personal success over collective welfare, setting him at odds with the Inspector’s message of social responsibility.


  "A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself – and his family too, of course."
• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Ignorance, Arrogance
  • Analysis: Birling’s confidence about the Titanic reflects his arrogance and lack of insight. Priestley uses dramatic irony here to highlight the flaws in Birling’s worldview and to criticize the misplaced optimism of the upper class.


  "Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable."
• • Character: Sheila
  • Theme: Social Responsibility, Class
  • Analysis: Sheila’s objection to her father’s treatment of Eva shows her compassion and emerging social awareness. This marks a contrast between her and her parents, suggesting that the younger generation can recognize the humanity of the working class.


  "But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people."
• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Capitalism, Self-Importance
  • Analysis: Mr. Birling prides himself on being a successful businessman, which he equates with being knowledgeable and right. His self-assuredness in his capitalist values shows how he equates success with moral correctness, which Priestley critiques.


  "I speak as a hard-headed business man."
• • Character: Inspector Goole
  • Theme: Social Responsibility, Justice
  • Analysis: The Inspector’s comment suggests that those who exploit others (like the Birlings) are worse than those who simply ask for help. It implies a moral critique of capitalism, highlighting the greed of the wealthy.


  "It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it."
• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Class Prejudice, Power
  • Analysis: Birling’s statement reveals his belief in strict control over the working class to maintain power. The exaggeration of “asking for the earth” shows his fear of social change and lack of empathy for lower-class struggles.


  "If you don’t come down sharply on these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth."
• • Character: Inspector Goole
  • Theme: Cause and Effect, Responsibility
  • Analysis: The Inspector’s statement highlights the interconnectedness of actions and consequences. It serves as a reminder that everyone’s actions have an impact, reinforcing Priestley’s message about social responsibility.


  "What happened to her then may have determined what happened to her afterwards."
• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Responsibility, Class
  • Analysis: Mr. Birling’s refusal to accept responsibility for Eva Smith’s death reflects his selfish nature and disregard for those outside his class. This denial is central to Priestley’s criticism of capitalist values.


  "I can’t accept any responsibility."
• • Character: Eric
  • Theme: Class, Justice
  • Analysis: Eric’s comment reveals his empathy for Eva and challenges his father’s perspective on wages and class. He acknowledges the unfairness in society, showing the contrast between generations and hinting at Eric’s sense of justice.


  "Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices."
• • Character: Sheila
  • Theme: Responsibility, Guilt
  • Analysis: Sheila’s regret over her treatment of Eva at Milwards demonstrates her willingness to accept blame and change. Priestley uses Sheila’s character to show the potential for personal growth and responsibility.


  "I’d never go near the place again and I’ll never do it again to anybody."
• • Character: Inspector Goole
  • Theme: Social Responsibility, Community
  • Analysis: The Inspector’s words summarize Priestley’s socialist message of collective responsibility. This statement contrasts sharply with Mr. Birling’s individualistic views and emphasizes the play’s moral message.


  "We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other."
• • Character: Inspector Goole
  • Theme: Power and Responsibility
  • Analysis: The Inspector challenges Birling’s privilege by reminding him that social status comes with accountability. This critique of class privilege reinforces the idea that power must be exercised with ethical consideration.


  "Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges."
• • Character: Sheila
  • Theme: Guilt, Responsibility
  • Analysis: Sheila’s repeated “never” indicates her sincere remorse and commitment to change. Her willingness to admit her faults reflects Priestley’s belief in the potential for change in the younger generation.


  "It’s the only time I’ve ever done anything like that, and I’ll never, never do it again."
• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Ignorance, Hubris
  • Analysis: Birling’s statement is an example of dramatic irony, as the audience knows that two world wars are about to occur. His misplaced confidence reflects Priestley’s criticism of those in power who lack insight.


  "The Germans don’t want war."
• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Denial, Responsibility
  • Analysis: Birling’s stubborn refusal to accept blame highlights his moral blindness. This attitude contrasts with the Inspector’s view and highlights Priestley’s criticism of those who ignore the consequences of their actions.


  "Still, I can’t accept any responsibility."
• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Class, Power
  • Analysis: Mr. Birling’s exaggeration suggests his fear of losing control over the lower class. It shows his lack of empathy for those with less power, reflecting the selfishness of the upper class.

  "They’d soon be asking for the earth."