Key Quotes

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

  1. B. Priestley
• What is a key quote from Mr. Birling?

  • “You’re just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted”
  • “I’m talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business… there isn’t a chance of war”
  • “… unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable”
  • “…we’ll try to keep out of trouble during the next few months”
• What does Mr. Birling mean by saying “there isn’t a chance of war”?

  He believes in the stability of society and economy
• What does Mr. Birling say about his chances of being in the Honour’s list?

  He has a fair chance of being included
• What does Mr. Birling imply by saying “a man has to make his own way”?

  He believes in individualism over community support
• What is Mr. Birling's stance on responsibility when the Inspector arrives?

  He claims he can't accept any responsibility
• Why does Mr. Birling say “It’s my duty to keep labour costs down”?

  He prioritizes business profits over employee welfare
• What are some key quotes from Mrs. Birling?

  • “When you’re married you’ll realize that men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business”
  • “I’m very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame”
  • “Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility”
• What does Mrs. Birling mean by saying “I think she had only herself to blame”?

  She believes the girl is responsible for her fate
• What does Mrs. Birling say about her husband’s past position?

  He was Lord Mayor two years ago
• How does Mrs. Birling view her actions compared to others?

  She believes she did nothing to be ashamed of
• What does Sheila say about her feelings after learning the truth?

  She wishes she hadn't been told
• What does Sheila mean by “I think it was a mean thing to do”?

  She regrets her actions towards the girl
• What are some key quotes from Sheila?

  • “These girls aren’t cheap labour. They’re people”
  • “I’ll never, never do it again to anybody”
  • “Mother, I think it was cruel and vile”
• What does Sheila mean by “These girls aren’t cheap labour”?

  She emphasizes their humanity and dignity
• What does Eric say about his drinking habits?

  He has been drinking too much for two years
• What does Eric imply by saying “I was in that state when a chap easily gets nasty”?

  He acknowledges his aggressive behavior when drunk
• What are some key quotes from Eric?

  • “He could have kept her on instead of throwing her out”
  • “I didn’t even remember – that’s the hellish thing”
  • “You lot may be letting yourself out nicely, but I can’t”
• What does Eric mean by “You lot may be letting yourself out nicely”?

  He feels others are avoiding responsibility
• What are some key quotes from Gerald?

  • “I know we’d have done the same thing”
  • “I think Miss Birling ought to be excused any more of this questioning”
  • “Everything’s all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?”
• What does Gerald mean by “I know we’d have done the same thing”?

  He acknowledges shared guilt among them
• What are some key quotes from Inspector Goole?

  • “Burnt her inside out… she was in great agony”
  • “We have to share something. If there’s nothing else, we’ll have to share our guilt”
  • “Each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget it”
• What does Inspector Goole mean by “We have to share our guilt”?

  He emphasizes collective responsibility for actions
• What does Inspector Goole warn about in his final speech?

  Fire and blood and anguish
• What are the main themes presented in "An Inspector Calls"?

  • Social responsibility
  • Class and privilege
  • Guilt and accountability
  • The impact of actions on others