An Inspector Calls - Key Quotes

• Who is the author of "An Inspector Calls"?

  J.B. Priestley
• What does Mr. Birling claim about the Titanic?

  It is unsinkable
• What literary device does Priestley use when Mr. Birling talks about the Titanic?

  Dramatic irony
• What incorrect predictions does Mr. Birling make?

  War won't break out and strikes are unlikely
• How does Priestley use Mr. Birling's opinions about society?

  To undermine faith in his views
• What does Mr. Birling think about people's obligations to each other?

  They only have obligations to family
• What term does Mr. Birling use for people with unusual ideas?

  Cranks
• How does Mr. Birling view his workers?

  As a collective group asking for more
• Who is Eva Smith?

  A worker who committed suicide
• Why did Sheila Birling complain about Eva Smith?

  She thought Eva was too pretty
• What does Sheila's initial reaction to Eva's situation reveal?

  Her lack of empathy and privilege
• How does Mrs. Birling view Eva Smith's suicide?

  As linked to Eva's lower-class origins
• What does Mrs. Birling think about the man who got Eva pregnant?

  He should be made an example of
• What does Gerald's quote about women reveal?

  His prejudiced views on women
• What does Gerald's relationship with Eva suggest about class?

  Upper classes exploit lower classes
• How does Gerald justify his actions with Eva?

  He claims he didn't intend to use her
• What does Mrs. Birling's prejudice reveal about her character?

  She judges based on social class
• What does the inspector's parting speech emphasize?

  Our interconnectedness and responsibility
• What does the inspector want the Birling family to realize?

  They are all responsible for Eva's death
• How do the Birlings react after the inspector leaves?

  They make excuses for their actions
• What question does Priestley leave the audience with at the end?

  Do we have a responsibility for others?
• What are the key themes in "An Inspector Calls"?

  • Social responsibility
  • Class division
  • Prejudice and hypocrisy
  • Interconnectedness of society
• How does Priestley portray the character of Mr. Birling?

  • Represents capitalist views
  • Displays ignorance and arrogance
  • Makes incorrect predictions
  • Undermines social responsibility
• What is the significance of the character Eva Smith?

  • Represents the working class
  • Symbolizes social injustice
  • Her death prompts reflection on responsibility
  • Highlights the impact of individual actions
• How does the play challenge social attitudes of the time?

  • Critiques capitalist ideologies
  • Highlights class disparities
  • Encourages empathy and social responsibility
  • Questions the morality of the upper class
• What role does the inspector play in the narrative?

  • Catalyst for change
  • Confronts characters with their actions
  • Represents moral authority
  • Challenges societal norms
• How does Sheila's character evolve throughout the play?

  • Starts as naive and privileged
  • Learns about social responsibility
  • Takes accountability for her actions
  • Represents hope for change
• What does the term "crank" signify in the play?

  • A derogatory term for socialists
  • Indicates dismissive attitudes towards new ideas
  • Reflects Mr. Birling's prejudices
  • Highlights classist views
• What is the impact of dramatic irony in the play?

  • Engages the audience's awareness
  • Enhances the critique of characters' beliefs
  • Creates tension and anticipation
  • Encourages reflection on societal issues