Symbolism

• Titanic 


  Symbolic of wealth and power; in 1912 it was Britain showing off their industrial power. Arguably a metaphor for Birling's, who thought they were "unsinkable" to due to their status in society. Link to Titanic Submersible in 2023 has society really changed ?
• "a chain of events" 


  Inspector Goole's consideration of the Birling'd
• Alcohol


  Act 1 port symbolises Mr Birling's class aspirations; he says it is the "same port" as Gerald's father gets. Birling is trying to demonstrate he has the same taste, and wealth, as Sir Gerald Croft, the highest status character in the play. Later in the play, alcohol comes to represent male irresponsibility through Eric, who uses it to try and justify his actions
• Goole has connotations of 'ghouls'

  Connotations suggest the Inspector is omniscient and will haunt the Birlings until they accept responsibility and change their ways.
• "I don't play golf"

  Symbolic of the Inspector's immunity to the influence. The phrase 'don't play' implies the Inspector is unwilling to play games and is only there for the truth
• "Pink and intimate"


  Lighting implies the Birlings see the world around them through 'rose tinted glasses', though a lens of middle class comfort (the adjective "pink" suggest something safe and comfortable and cosy); suggests they are unaware and ignorant to the harsh reality of the world around them.
• Ring


  Symbol of wealth and status - "now i really feel engaged" Shelia declares, demonstrating the importance she places on external signifiers of wealth as a way to show off her status to the world. Materialistic, but also insecure? Later in the play, the ring symbolises Shelia's growth and independence as she returns it to Gerald
• Daisies 


  Importance of nomenclature:common type of wild flower; delicate and easily trodden down. Reflective of Daisy Renton's working class background, oppressed and exploited by those in power. Also the name Renton itself sounds very similar to Renting in the way Daisy is resorted to 'renting' out her body as a last resort
• Disinfectant 


  Symbolises how Eva Smith felt unwanted in society; like she was a stain or blight