KEY QUOTES

• What does Mr. Birling desire to impress Gerald with?

  A knighthood
• What does Mr. Birling's desire for a knighthood imply?

  The knighthood system is corrupt
• What does Mrs. Birling say when talking to the inspector?

  “I'm talking to the inspector now, if you don't mind.”
• What does Sheila's statement about the ring reveal about her character?

  She is materialistic at the start
• What does the description of Eric as ‘half-shy, half-assertive’ suggest?

  He is uncertain and anxious
• What does the phrase ‘well bred man about town’ imply about Gerald?

  He is wealthy and fashionable
• What does the inspector's imposing figure suggest about his role?

  He cannot be ignored or detracted from
• What does the phrase ‘Unsinkable. Absolutely unsinkable’ illustrate about Mr. Birling?

  His foolish arrogance and poor judgment
• What does Mrs. Birling claim about her influence over Eva Smith?

  “I used my influence to have it refused.”
• How does Sheila's childish behavior towards her father reflect her character?

  She infantilizes herself with her father
• What does Sheila's comment ‘You’re squiffy’ imply about Eric?

  He has a drink problem
• What does Gerald's sycophantic behavior towards Mr. Birling indicate?

  He agrees with everything Mr. Birling says
• What does the phrase ‘She lies with a burnt out inside on a slab’ reveal about the inspector's intentions?

  He wants them to feel remorse
• What does Mr. Birling's statement about wanting a son-in-law like Gerald reveal?

  He values business dealings over Sheila's happiness
• What does Mrs. Birling's comment about a girl of ‘that sort’ suggest?

  She looks down on the lower classes
• What does Sheila's jealousy and anger reveal about her character?

  She uses her status to have Eva sacked
• What does Gerald's joke about Eric imply about family dynamics?

  Eric is the butt of family jokes
• What does Eric's statement ‘Don’t say anything to the inspector’ reveal about him?

  He wants to cover up the family's actions
• What does the stage direction ‘Cutting through massively’ indicate about the inspector?

  He controls the conversation effectively
• What does Mr. Birling's dismissive language towards Sheila indicate?

  He is patronizing and uninterested in youth
• How does Mrs. Birling's reprimanding of Sheila reflect her character?

  She expects proper behavior from her children
• What does Sheila's repetition of ‘I’ll never, never do it again’ signify?

  Her sorrow is genuine and sincere
• What does Eric's question about higher wages reveal about his character?

  He demonstrates socialist sympathies
• What does Gerald's reluctance to admit his affair indicate?

  He tries to change the subject quickly
• What does the inspector's method of isolating individuals suggest?

  He wants them to have nowhere to hide
• What does Mr. Birling's threat to Eric reveal about his attitude towards youth?

  He has disdain for the younger generation
• What does Mrs. Birling's blame of the young man reveal about her character?

  She is unaware the father is her own son
• What does Sheila's statement about girls not being cheap labor indicate?

  She adopts socialist views
• What does Eric's comment about not being able to go to his father reveal?

  They have a distant relationship
• What does Gerald's desire to hide his affair indicate about his character?

  He is reluctant to admit his wrongdoing
• What does the inspector's method of interrogation reveal about his character?

  He isolates them to reveal truths
• What does Mr. Birling's statement about ‘lower costs and higher prices’ reveal?

  He prioritizes profits over employees
• What does Sheila's belief about not being tricked by the inspector indicate?

  She thinks she is the only one unaffected
• What does Sheila's statement about not being the same person suggest?

  She has matured and changed
• What does Eric's accusation towards his mother reveal?

  He blames her for Eva's death
• What does Eric's distress about Eva's death indicate?

  He is genuinely upset by her death
• What does the statement ‘We are responsible for each other’ signify?

  It reflects Priestley's views on social responsibility
• What does Mr. Birling's desperate offer to the inspector reveal?

  He is trying to save his reputation
• What does Mrs. Birling's gratitude towards Gerald indicate?

  She is impressed by his clever argument
• What does Sheila's challenge to her parents reveal about her character?

  She gains confidence and independence