an inspector calls

what theme and act does this quote fit into “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own”

social responsibility

Act 1

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own”

why priestly added it ?

What it shows ?

priestly added it to: expose selfish individualistic attitude of people like Mr Birling, who cared more about status, profit then others.

What it shows: his belief that everyone should be independent and not rely on each other, going against inspectors message.

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own”

Context for this quote ?

Context: Priestly wanted to challenge this old way of thinking, after two world wars people begun to support socialism, the opposite if Mr Birlings beliefs.

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own”

Effect on the audience ?

Effect: they would see Mr Birling as ignorant and outdated, they would of been shocked at his lack of empathy.

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own”

what method is used ?

why is it used ?

method: repetition of the word “own”

why its used: emphasises his selfishness and that he’s only focused on personal interest, highlighting how narrow his world view is. it reflects capitalistic views that Priestley is criticizing.

what theme and act does this quote fit into “If we were all responsible for everything it would be very awkward, wouldn’t it ?”

Social responsibility

act 1

“If we were all responsible for everything it would be very awkward, wouldn’t it ?”

what the quote shows ?

Why Priestley added it ?

it shows: Mr Birling mocks the idea of collective responsibility by calling it awkward as if caring for others is inconvenient. exposing his cold, capitalist mindset.

Why Priestley added it: to show what is wrong with the upper class, he believed this kind of arrogance is what led to war, poverty and inequality.

“If we were all responsible for everything it would be very awkward, wouldn’t it ?”

what method is used ?

why is it used ?

Method: Rhetorical question “wouldn’t it ?”

why its used: he uses the question to try and show being responsible for others is clearly ridiculous. Highlights contrast between him and inspector, as the inspector talks in direct statements and doesn’t use questions to shut down debates or to avoid verbal conflict.

what theme and act does this quote fit into “If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth”

class and social status

Act 2

“If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth”

what it shows ?

why Priestley incudes the quote ?

shows: Reinforces class divisions, hr believes in a strict social hierarchy where upper-class should hold power over working class. “ some of these people” is classist.

Priestley includes the quote: to show how upper class uses there status and authority to keep others down.

“If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth”

Method used ?

why is it used ?

Method: Hyperbole “soon be asking for the earth”

Why its used: to show Mr Birlings fear of loosing control as Eva only asks for a small wage increase but Mr birling exaggerates it to asking for the earth.

what theme and act does this quote fit into “Girls of that class”

Gender roles

Act 2

“Girls of that class”

what it shows ?

shows: Birling is sexist and patronising towards Eva by calling her a “girl” to reduce an adult woman (Eva) to a childlike status.

“Girls of that class”

Method used ?

why is it used ?

Method: Generic noun “girls”

why its used: groups all working class women. Mr Birling doesn’t see Eva as a real person, just one of many poor women. Priestley shows how upper class people can dehumanise the working class.

what theme and act does this quote fit into “You’ll have to get used to it, just as I had”

Gender roles

Act 1

“You’ll have to get used to it, just as I had”

what it shows ?

shows: Sheila must accept traditional role of a women. shows unequal expectations, men had lots of freedom while women didn’t.

“You’ll have to get used to it, just as I had”

method used ?

why its used ?

method: irony “ just as I did “

Why its used: shows he is arrogant and blind to the problems women face. makes Mr Birling seem out of touch as he tries to relate with Sheila.

what theme and act does this quote fit into “The way these cranks talk and write, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else”

Generational divide

Act 1

“The way these cranks talk and write, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else”

what it shows ?

he dismisses new ideas about social responsibility and caring for others by calling people who supports it “cranks”. the younger generation rejects this selfish view.

“The way these cranks talk and write, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else”

Method used ?

why its used ?

Method: Hyperbole “everybody has to look after everybody else”

why its used: the exaggeration makes the idea seem silly and impossible. highlights selfish attitude of older generation. The audience will see Mr Birling as a narrow minded and unreasonable, as he dismissed something that’s really important in 1945.

what act and what theme for the quote “But these girls aren’t cheap labour they’re people”

social responsibility

act 1

“But these girls aren’t cheap labour they’re people”

what it shows

sheila rejects her fathers capitalistic views. she shows empathy and moral awareness realising Eva is human l.

“But these girls aren’t cheap labour they’re people”

method and why it’s used

emotive language “people”

instead of saying workers or staff sheila uses the word people to remind that Eva is a human being. sheila shows emotional growth caring more about lower classes, this contrasts with Mr Birlings views

what act and what theme for the quote “probably between us we killed her”

social responsibility

Act 3

“probably between us we killed her”

what it shows

shows she knows everyone played a part. shows maturity and responsibility. shows how she is changing to a socialist.

“probably between us we all killed her”

method

why it’s used

collective pronoun “we”

shows her moral growth. she’s blaming her self and whole family. priestly also uses the word “we” to make audience feel included. audience respects sheila for calling out her parents and not being afraid

what act and what theme for the quote “she was a very pretty girl too”

class and social status

act 1

“she was a very pretty girl too”

what it shows

shows sheila’s honesty, admits she is jealous. audience is shocked and uncomfortable with how easy a rich person could destroy someone’s life.

“she was a very pretty girl too”

method

why it’s used

adjective “pretty”

shows jealousy and how easily a upper class persons feelings can lead to a working class person getting fired.

what act and what theme for the quote “you mustn’t try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl”

class and social status

act 2

“you mustn’t try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl”

what it shows

she understands social class should not divide people. the audience sees sheila as the moral voice of the family

“you mustn’t try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl”

method

why it’s used

metaphor “build up a kind of wall”

represents the way upper class separate them selves from people of lower status. By building a wall they are trying to avoid feeling guilty. Priestly does this to show empathy and connection are blocked by pride and denial causing the audience to reflect on their own walls.

what theme and what act for the quote “you’re squiffy”

gender roles

act 1

“you’re squiffy”

what this shows

In a 1912 Edwardian society, young women were expected to be polite and proper in public and with family. this shows that she isn’t just an obedient girl and is challenging stereotypical gender roles.

“you’re squiffy”

method

why it’s used

direct address “you’re”

makes her seem strong, showing she is comfortable. confronting men.

what theme and act does the quote link into “why you fool he knows. of course he knows”

gender roles

act 1

“why you fool he knows. of course he knows”

what it shows

sheila is challenging male authority, by calling Gerald a fool insulting his intelligence, this would be seen as inappropriate for women in 1912. this shows she isn’t afraid

“you fool he knows. Of course he knows

method

why it’s used

repetition “he knows”

repeating the phrase allows sheila to take control of the conversation. showing she isn’t afraid to speak up.

what theme for the quote “It frightens me the way you talk.”— Sheila, Act 3 (to her parents)

generational divide

“It frightens me the way you talk.”— Sheila, Act 3 (to her parents)

what it shows

sheila is morally disturbed by her parents attitude. she is worried about her parents view of the world whilst they only worry about their business

“It frightens me the way you talk.”— Sheila, Act 3 (to her parents)

method

why it’s used

emotive language “frightens”

sheila isn’t just confused but she’s scared for her parents. shows generational divide as while older people just brush things off she reacts with honesty

what act and what theme “we are members of one body we are responsible for each other”

social responsibility

act 3

“we are members of one body we are responsible for each other”

what it shows

sums up main message of the play, that everyone is connected and we need to help and protect each other. encourages unity. challenges individualism.

“we are members of one body we are responsible for each other”

method

why it’s used

metaphor

emphasises shared responsibility and criticises selfishness. causes audience to reflect on own actions.

“ each of you helped to kill her “

what it shows

blunt and direct accusation. collective responsibility. no one is innocent

“each of you helped to kill her”

method

why it’s used

emotive language “kill”

he says a server word instead of hurt or upset to shock the characters and give them a reality check

“There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us.” — Inspector, Act 3

what it shows

inspector reminds everyone that eva is symbol of working class and loads others like her suffer in silence. repetition for millions highlights urgency

“We often do on the young ones. They’re more impressionable.” — Inspector, Act 2

what it shows

inspector points out younger people are more open to change and learning from mistakes. reflects priestley vision of hope for future generations.