Quotes

• What does the long quotation about John Smiths and Eva Smiths signify?

  It represents the working classes' exploitation
• How does Priestly use biblical imagery in the inspector's message?

  To connect Christianity with socialism
• Why does Priestly use Christian imagery in the play?

  Most of the audience were practicing Christians
• What is the socialist message conveyed by the inspector?

  We are responsible for each other
• When was the play published?

  1945
• What does Priestly link war to in the play?

  Capitalism
• What warning does the inspector leave regarding human life?

  It should not be seen as expendable
• How does the inspector portray the violence of Eva's death?

  In a gruesome way to shock the burlings
• What does the violent imagery of Eva's death suggest about the burlings' actions?

  They committed a terrible crime
• What does the quotation about asking for the Earth imply about capitalism?

  It suggests capitalism is rapacious
• What does Gerald claim about his responsibility?

  We are responsible citizens, not criminals
• How does the inspector respond to Gerald's claim of being responsible citizens?

  Sometimes there isn't much difference
• What does Burling say about community?

  Community and all that nonsense
• What does the inspector's arrival signify in the play?

  It corrects Burling's worldview
• What does Eric's theft of money signify in the play?

  It highlights moral corruption
• What is Priestley's purpose in the play?

  To critique capitalism and promote community
• What does Burling express disbelief about?

  That war is coming
• What role does Mrs. Burling play in Eva's fate?

  She refused to help Eva
• Why is the play set in 1912?

  To highlight the ignorance before the wars
• How does Priestly use female characters in the play?

  To explore women's roles before they could vote
• How does the Titanic metaphor relate to the play's themes?

  It symbolizes the fall of seemingly invincible powers
• What does Priestley argue about capitalism and war?

  Capitalism needs war to create demand
• What does the inspector's brutality aim to achieve?

  To cut through class prejudice
• What does Burling say about the consequences of war?

  There's everything to lose and nothing to gain
• How did British businessmen profit from the first world war?

  They made fortunes during the conflict
• What does the inspector represent in the play?

  Priestley's political and social views
• What does the inspector say about empathy?

  We should put ourselves in others' shoes
• Who is the victim in the play?

  Eva Smith
• What supernatural element is associated with the inspector's arrival?

  He is summoned by Burling's words
• Why is the role of women significant in the play?

  It highlights societal injustices and power dynamics
• What does Sheila's jealousy of Eva signify?

  Society's damaging values on women
• What does Sybil Birling represent in the play?

  The refusal to acknowledge societal issues
• How does Sheila perceive the inspector's nature?

  As a supernatural presence
• How does the inspector's final warning relate to history?

  It links capitalism to the consequences of war
• What does the phrase "members of one body" imply?

  We are interconnected and responsible for each other
• What does the inspector say about learning lessons?

  If men will not learn, they will suffer
• How does the inspector test the Burlings?

  By challenging their understanding of responsibility
• What lesson does the inspector want the burlings to learn?

  To accept blame for their actions
• What does Sheila symbolize in the play?

  The potential for change in the younger generation
• How does Gerald's revelation affect the family?

  It brings relief and denial of responsibility