Gender Key Quotations

• Priestley explores the inequality between male and female characters in An Inspector Calls to criticise his society’s suppression of women’s rights and the mistreatment of women in general.
• Gender: “I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty” - Eric Birling, Act III
• Meaning and context:

  • This quote is from Act III and is said by Eric Birling during his confession
• Analysis:

  • While an audience may view Eric as a sympathetic character, his treatment of Eva reveals how he has also abused her
  • Eric hints at the potential for sexual violence and reveals Eva did not want him to enter her room until he became ‘nasty’ and issued a threat
  • This quote exposes the vulnerability of women who can be easily exploited by wealthy men like Eric
• Gender: “I did keep a girl last summer. I’ve admitted it. And I’m sorry Sheila.” – Gerald Croft, Act II
• Meaning and context:

  • This quote is from Act II and is during Gerald’s confession about his affair with Eva/Daisy
• Analysis:

  • The three-part list in this quote suggests Gerald feels that it is all over and done with and he and Sheila can simply move on
  • During his confession, Gerald he appears more concerned that his affair has been discovered, rather than having betrayed his fiancée
  • Gerald’s confession of having a mistress is overlooked by Arthur and Sybil