Key themes and quotes

Theme of GUILT

SUICIDE

Theme of LEARNING, FORGETTING

Theme of STATUS

Theme of PRIDE

Theme of LIES

An Inspector Calls- Themes and Quotes

"... a man has to make his own way- has to look after himself- and his family, too, of course, when he has one- and so long as he does that he won't come to much harm"- MR BIRLING (to Gerald and Eric)

"No,that's no use. You not only knew her but you knew her very well. Otherwise, you wouldn't look so guilty about it."- SHEILA (to Gerald at the end of act 1)

"I don't dislike you as I did half an hour ago, Gerald. In fact, in some odd way, I rather respect you more than I've ever done before"- SHEILA (to Gerald in Act 2)

"If you think you can bring any pressure to bear on me, Inspector, you're quite mistaken. Unlike the other three, I did nothing I'm ashamed of or that won't bear investigation"- MRS B

"We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish"- INSPECTOR

"A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own"- MR B (capitalist view in Act 1)