An Inspector Calls Quotes

An Inspector Calls Quotes

1. Mr Birling

   • Proud
     • 'Hard-headed practical man of business'
     • 'I'm a public man'
     • 'rather provincial in his speech'
     • 'There'll be a public scandal'
   • Optimistic
     • 'Russia... will always be behind-hand'
     • 'Nobody wants war'
     • In 40 years, there will be peace
   • Selfish
     • 'a man has to make his own way'
     • 'they'd soon be asking for the Earth'
   • Anxious
     • Concerned for only his own wellbeing

2. Mrs Birling

   • Snobbish upper class
     • Dislikes lower classes
     • Tells Mr Birling not to praise the cook
     • Dismissive of Eva Smith: 'Girls of that class...'
       • 'It's disgusting to me'
     • Refuses to admit her wrongdoings
     • Traditional
       • 'When your married, you'll realise'
       • Learns nothing from the Inspector
   • Disrespectful
     • Least respectful to the Inspector
       • Lies to him
       • Tries to intimidate him
         • Too stupid and falls into his trap
     • Proud
   • Secretive
     • Didn't believe that Eric was a drunkard
     • Didn't believe that Eva refuse money
   • Cruel
     • 'I used my influence to have [her] refused'
     • 'Wants to be in control'

3. Sheila

   • Morally Strong
     • Accepts her faults
     • 'I had her turned out of a job'
     • Able to confront herself
   • Clearly lives a rich lifestyle
     • 'Oh, how horrible! Was it an accident?
       • Naive - it was obviously not an accident
     • Can't comprehend Eva's situation
   • Curious & Caring
     • 'I wouldn't miss it for worlds'
     • Bitter about Gerald's Affair
     • Contrasts to her at the beginning of the play
   • Strong Minded
     • 'It's you two who are being childish'
       • Stands up to her parents
     • Sides with the Inspector
     • Humiliates Gerald in spite of him
       • 'You fool, of course he knows'

4. Gerald

   • Seems like a 'good catch' by Sheila
     • Gerald is like a younger version of Mr Birling
     • He's comfortable with having power and control
   • Mature, Self Confident
     • 'An easy, well-bred young man about town'
     • Polite, relaxed
   • Sides with Mr & Mrs Birling over the Inspector
     • 'I should say so!' - agreeing with Mr Birling'
     • 'You're just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted'
   • Hard outer shell
     • 'I'm rather more upset by this business than i appear to be'
   • Double Standards - Deceitful
     • Kept a mistress, yet says that women should be guarded
       • 'You think that women ought to be protected against unpleasant things?'
     • Treats Eva/Daisy badly, yet says this
     • Believes that Sheila will forgive him
       • Has not learned from the Inspector
   • Able to separate public and private life - unlike Eric
   • Intelligent & Kind
     • Realizes that the Inspector may have been lying
     • Tries to look after Eva (before leaving her homeless)

5. Eric

   • Irresponsible & Immature
     • 'Your squiffy'
     • 'Your trouble is - you've been spoilt'
   • Distant from his parents - unloved
     • 'Your not the type, you don't get drunk'
     • 'That's something this public-school-and-varsity life you've had doesn't seem to teach you'
   • Caring & Senstitive
     • 'I am not likely to forget'
   • Villain, yet victim
     • Helped drive Eva to suicide
     • looked after Eva well
   • Alcoholic
     • 'I was in that state when a chap turns nasty'
     • 'That's enough, Eric'

6. Inspector Goole

   • Imposing & Dominating
     • 'Cutting in, Massively'
     • Interrupts the Birlings' dinner
     • Cuts through the lies of the parents
       • Doesn't follow traditional etiquette
     • Massiveness, solidity and purposefulness
   • Represents Priestley
     • ' We do not live alone. We are all members of one body'
     • 'There are millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths'
       • Direct Address
   • Mysterious
     • He never seemed like an ordinary police inspector'
     • Different - 'You're new, aren't you?'
   • Doesn't get distracted
     • 'I am doing my duty, Mrs Birling'
     • 'It is my duty to ask questions'