AIC

• Thesis statement for An Inspector Calls?

  In the morality play 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley aims to promote socialism and challenge the idealistic views of capitalism as well advocating social responsibility in order to look after the working classes and finally, to prevent the exploitation of women.
• What is the purpose of the change in lighting?

  "pink and intimate... then... brighter and harder" - rose tinted glasses reference; the Birlings don't live in the real world but rather look at things in their own way. The "brighter and harder" light could be perceived as the Inspector bringing the truth and exposing the Birling's.
• Gender in AIC (pt1)?

  "I hate those hard-eyed dough faced women." - Gerald

  Characterises Gerald as a judgmental man to those from a different social class. He uses derogatory terms like "hard-eyed" and "dough-face" to belittle or devalue those lower than him. These terms can also be seen as a possible reference to the fallen woman during the time who would lose their innocence and fall from the grace of God.
• Gender in AIC (pt2)?

  "...not only something to make 'em look prettier-but- well, a sort of sign or token of their self respect." - Mr Birling

  Parallel structure emphasises the dual purpose of personal appearance. The quote serves to highlight the class differences and the broader societal issues that affect the working class.
• Socialism Vs Capitalism (pt1)?

  "They will be taught in fire and blood and anguish" - Inspector

  Inspector is saying how capitalism will lead to war if it continues and the quote serves as a moral and dramatic turning point in the play, emphasising the inspector's omniscient capabilities. The metaphor suggests that society will learn through intense and painful experiences.
• Socialism Vs Capitalism (pt2)?

  "Probably a socialist or some sort of crank" - Mr Birling.

  The pejorative term "crank" is used to discredit someone's ideas and in the quote, it suggest Mr Birling views anyone with alternative views as irrational alluding to how the Inspector has social agenda that conflicts his own capitalist beliefs. The quote reflects Mr Birling's capitalism viewpoint in addition to being unsympathetic to the struggles of working class.
• Gender (pt3)?

  "Chap easily turns nasty" - Eric Birling

  Priestly constructs Eric as a character who portrays one of the seven deadly sins 'Gluttony'. This is evident when he uses sexual coercion against Eva when he was in a drunken state. Priestley deliberately does this to portray how Eric has to drink in order to keep himself calm however his excessive drinking leads to him being able to act without thinking.
• Exploitation (pt1)?

  "These girls aren't cheap labour - they're people." - Sheila

  The quote serves as a pivotal moment in the play as Sheila crosses her threshold and expresses her growing awareness and realisation that the working class are also humans with their own feelings and dignity. The adjective "cheap" carries negative connotations about the girls being undervalued and exploited.
• Exploitation (pt2)?

  "Better to ask for the earth than to take it" - Inspector

  Suggests that it's more morally justifiable to seek something through peaceful and fair means rather than taking advantage of others. The juxtapositions of two options: "ask for" and "take" highlights the inspector's moral standpoint. The inspector is being critical to those who exploit their power and privilege, advocating for a more just and compassionate society
• Young Vs Old (pt1)?

  "You've a lot to learn yet," - Mr B

  Implying that Sheila is naive and young and that her views will change as she gains more life experience. Mr B's authoritative tone portrays him asserting dominance his belief in his own wisdom. The generation gap between Mr B and Sheila is shown in the quote, Mr B represents the older with conservative views while Sheila challenges these views.
• Young Vs Old (pt2)?

  "She looked young and fresh and charming" - Gerald

  Suggests that Eva Smith appeared to be a young, attractive woman in contrast to the "hard-eyed" and "dough-faced" women. Gerald represents the sin of 'Lust' through his affair with Eva. Eva Smith's beauty and charm did not protect her from the injustices and hardships she faced in society, serving as a contrast to explore the issues of privilege and social inequality.
• Social Class?

  "Girls of that class" - Mrs B

  Sybil is being dismissive and judgmental of Eva, implying that she views her as being from an inferior social class. Referring to people as "Girls of that class" reduces them to a stereotype, effectively dehumanising them.
• Social Responsibility(pt1)?


  "There's every excuse for what your mother and I did." - Mr B

  Reflects on how Mr B attempts to justify and defend his actions. The use of the noun "excuse" is ironic because from the perspective of the audience and Inspector, Mr Birling's actions are morally questionable, and the play ultimately criticises his lack of empathy and social responsibility.
• Social Responsibility (pt2)?


  "We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." - Inspector's final speech

  During the inspector's final speech, he breaks the fourth wall by not only addressing the speech to the Birling family but the audience as well because the inspector is not from their world and can travel to the real world without being constrained by text, this heightens the dramatic tension and raises the possibility that he has omnipotent abilities.
• Wealth & Materialism (pt1)?

  "Perhaps we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together." - Mr B

  The aim of the engagement is not to celebrate his daughter's success but rather to lower costs and charge higher prices, highlighting how Mr B portrays the sin of 'Greed'.
• Wealth & Materialism (pt2)?

  The juxtaposition of "lower costs and higher prices" highlights the contradiction in the statement. Lower costs are associated with saving money, while higher prices means increased profits. The contrast reveals how he seeks to maximise his finanicial gains via taking advantage over others.