Key quotes

• Mrs Birling: 'I don't suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide.'
• Mrs Birling: 'That - I consider - is a trifle impertinent Inspector.'
• Mrs Birling: 'I realise that you have to conduct some sort of inquiry, but I must say that so far you seem to be conducting it in a rather peculiar and offensive manner.'
• Mrs Birling: 'We are learning something tonight.'
• Mrs Birling: 'I beg your pardon!'
• Mrs Birling: 'What business is it of yours?'
• Mrs Birling: 'It was simply a piece of gross impertinence'
• Mrs Birling: 'Naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case.'
• Mrs Birling: 'I didn't like her manner'
• Mrs Birling: 'If you think you can bring any pressure to bear upon me, Inspector, you're quite mistaken. Unlike the other three, I did nothing I'm ashamed of or that won't bear investigation.'
• Mrs Birling: 'In spite of what's happened to the girl since, I consider I did my duty.'
• Mrs Birling: 'I'll tell you what I told her. Go and look for the father of the child. It's his responsibility.'
• Mrs Birling: 'It wasn't I who had her turned out of her employment – which probably began it all.'
• Mrs Birling: 'In the circumstances I think I was justified.'
• Mrs Birling: 'She was giving herself ridiculous airs. She was claiming elaborate fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her position.'
• Mrs Birling: 'She said the father was only a youngster – silly and wild and drinking too much.'
• Mrs Birling: 'You're quite wrong to suppose I shall regret what I did.'
• Mrs Birling: 'But I accept no blame for it at all.'
• Mrs Birling: 'He should be made an example of. If the girl's death is due to anybody, then it's due to him.'
• Mrs Birling: 'He ought to be dealt with very severely'
• Mrs Birling: 'Eric, I can't believe it. There must be some mistake.'