AIC Act 3

• • Character: Eric Birling
  • Theme: Family, Responsibility
  • Analysis: Eric’s words reveal the emotional distance between him and his father. This lack of support and guidance highlights Priestley’s critique of dysfunctional family dynamics within the upper class, where relationships are often superficial.


  "You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble."
• • Character: Inspector Goole
  • Theme: Collective Responsibility, Guilt
  • Analysis: The Inspector’s direct accusation holds each family member accountable, emphasizing the idea that everyone’s actions contribute to wider social consequences. Priestley uses this line to underscore the theme of collective responsibility.


  "Each of you helped to kill her."
• • Character: Sheila Birling
  • Theme: Responsibility, Change
  • Analysis: Sheila criticizes her parents’ refusal to take responsibility. Her words highlight the generational divide, as she embraces social responsibility while her parents remain unchanged. This reflects Priestley’s belief in the younger generation’s potential for social change.


  "The point is, you don’t seem to have learnt anything."
• • Character: Inspector Goole
  • Theme: Social Responsibility, Community
  • Analysis: The Inspector’s final message reinforces Priestley’s vision of a society where everyone looks out for one another. This line encapsulates the play’s moral core, contrasting sharply with the Birlings’ individualistic beliefs.

  "We are responsible for each other."
• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Reputation, Selfishness
  • Analysis: Mr. Birling’s primary concern is protecting his social status rather than feeling remorse for Eva’s death. Priestley uses Birling’s selfishness to criticize the upper class’s obsession with reputation over ethics.

  "There’ll be a public scandal – unless we’re lucky."
• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Responsibility, Denial
  • Analysis: Mr. Birling’s relief at discovering the Inspector may not be real reveals his eagerness to escape accountability. This highlights the theme of denial and contrasts with the Inspector’s lesson on personal responsibility.

  "This makes a difference, y’know. In fact, it makes all the difference."
• • Character: Inspector Goole
  • Theme: Social Responsibility, Inequality
  • Analysis: The Inspector’s statement reminds the Birlings that Eva’s plight is part of a broader social issue. By referencing “millions,” Priestley emphasizes that the problems facing the working class are systemic and require collective action.


  "There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us."
• • Character: Sheila Birling
  • Theme: Hypocrisy, Responsibility
  • Analysis: Sheila’s sarcasm critiques her family’s relief at discovering the Inspector’s possible fraud, exposing their hypocrisy. Her disappointment reflects her growth and her realization of her family’s moral failings


  "I suppose we’re all nice people now."
• • Character: Mr. Birling
  • Theme: Money, Guilt
  • Analysis: Birling’s offer of money comes too late, highlighting his belief that wealth can solve moral failings. Priestley critiques this mindset, showing that genuine remorse and social responsibility cannot be bought.

  "Look Inspector – I’d give thousands – yes, thousands—"
• • Character: Sheila Birling
  • Theme: Guilt, Redemption
  • Analysis: Sheila’s acceptance of her role in Eva’s downfall and her genuine remorse contrasts with her parents’ denial. Priestley uses Sheila’s character to show the potential for personal growth and the importance of taking responsibility.

  "I behaved badly too. I know I did. I’m ashamed of it."
• • Character: Eric Birling
  • Theme: Denial, Responsibility
  • Analysis: Eric calls out his parents for trying to brush off their actions. His awareness of their moral failings reveals the generational conflict and reinforces the younger generation’s desire for accountability.

  "But I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours List."
• • Character: Inspector Goole
  • Theme: Social Responsibility, Collective Action
  • Analysis: The Inspector uses Eva as a symbol of the working class, showing that her story is universal. This line serves as a final call for empathy and social awareness, urging the audience to recognize their role in society.

  "One Eva Smith has gone – but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us."
• • Character: Eric Birling
  • Theme: Guilt, Responsibility
  • Analysis: Eric’s assertion shows that, unlike his parents, he understands the moral significance of their actions. Priestley uses Eric’s words to emphasize the theme of accountability, marking a shift in his character toward empathy.


  "And I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her – and that’s what matters."