An inspector calls

“Is it the one you wanted me to have”

Who said it and when?

Sheila Birling, beginning of act 1

What devices are used?

Symbolism

What does this suggest?

That Sheila is devoting herself to a man

The ring symbolises the ownership and control that Gerald exerts over her

Reveals Sheila’s subordinate role in a patriarchal society

“One” is a signifier- is she talking about Gerald or the ring?

Highlights Sheila’s immaturity

“This is Mr Gerald Croft- the son of Sir George Croft- you know, Croft’s limited”

Who said it and when?

Mr Birling, Act 1

What devices are used?

Name dropping

What does this suggest?

Mr Birling wants the inspector to see him as a prominent figure in society-thinks he will achieve this by using Gerald’s name- who is part of a wealthy upper class family and business

Threatens the inspector- sees himself as superior to the him

Mentions “Crofts Limited”, capitalism infiltrating his dialect/ speech

“Sheila’s a lucky girl-and I think you’re a pretty fortunate young man too, Gerald”

Who said it and when?

Mr Birling, beginning of act 1

What devices are used?

Infantilisation, juxtaposition, irony

What does this suggest?

That Mr Birling is diminishing his daughters worth- suggested by the modifier “pretty” as opposed to “very”

Gerald is “lucky” because of the business transaction taking place with Sheila as the commodity

Contrast between girl and man highlights mr birlings infantilisation of his daughter -and his superior view of Gerald

“Lucky” and “fortunate” appear to be positive adjectives but can be seen as ironic, foreshadowing later in the play -also irony as to whether Sheila will actually be happy (“Lucky girl”)

Dash after “girl” suggests it was an afterthought

(Involuntarily): “My God!”

Who said it and when?

Eric Birling, Act 1

What devices are used?

Stage directions, exclamatory language

What does this suggest?

Eric’s impulsiveness is suggested by his sudden emotional outburst- lack of self control, alcohol influence?

As if he is trying to hide his emotions- it was not stereotypical masculinity to show emotions at that time, wants to seem more of a man

Maybe doesn’t want to show his father/his family that he can care

“We’ve several hundred young women there, y’know, and they keep changing”

Who said it and when?

Mr Birling, Act 1

What devices are used?

irony

What does this suggest?

Mr birlings class enables his disassociation with the poor/ working class- ironic as Mr Birling himself is meritocratic and knows what it’s like to be in their position, he should feel empathy

“Several hundred” shows the women as disposable, worthless- shows vagueness and lack of care

Highlights the exploitation of women at that time

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

Who said it and when?

Sheila Birling- near the end of act 1

What devices are used?

Juxtaposition, emphatic language

What does this suggest?

That Sheila has developed a newfound social awareness and empathy about the working class people- socialist viewpoint

“Girls” shows them being weak and innocent, learnt from a taught ideology

Sheila has an internalised misogyny

The juxtaposition of “cheap labour” and “people” contrasts a dehumanizing, objectifying view of workers with a humanist, empathetic one.

Emphatic language, the short declarative sentence, highlights her socialist belief and her moral realisation

“Often, if it was left to me, I wouldn’t know where to draw the line”

Who said it and when?

The inspector to Gerald, near the end of act 1

What devices are used?

Metaphor

What does this suggest?

The line is a metaphor for the moral line of bad/ good

It shows you might appear like a good citizen, but in reality you’re not- appearance vs reality

Suggests that societal roles are not always clear cut, and sometimes people have the ability to manipulate the moral line and change others perceptive of them

The inspector is suggesting that there isn’t a clear and obvious difference between the 2 groups of “respectable citizens” and “criminals”

“She was the right type for it, just as I was the wrong type”

Who said it and when?

Sheila about Eva, act 1

What devices are used?

Emphasis

What does this suggest?

That appearance and looks meant everything to upper class women

“Types” are attractive characteristics- reminder that Sheila cannot buy beauty

Maybe Shiela was the wrong type for the dress because of its prostitutional connotations

Sheila constantly compares herself to other women, highlighting her insecurities- worries that she won’t be the perfect ideological women attractive enough for a man

“Why- you fool- he knows. Of course he knows” and “You’ll see. You’ll see”

Who said it and when?

Shiela to Gerald, very end of Act 1

What devices are used?

Repetition

What does this suggest?

That Sheila’s illusion of the marriage she once thought would be has shattered - her veil has been lifted from the ignorant life she had only hours before

Gerald’s disloyalty had been exposed- this can be seen as a greater comment on all wealthy men of the time

Gerald is being a stereotypical man- making women keep secrets for them to help them maintain their reputations

Sheila has realised this and is beginning to toughen up and succumb to change

“Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable”

Who said it and when?

Mr Birling, Act 1

What devices are used?

Dramatic irony, repetition, symbolism

What does it suggest?

Dramatic irony shows Mr birlings ignorance and stupidity

Adjective suggests Mr B is stating opinions like facts, presenting him as arrogant

Symbolism- titanic is a symbol of capitalism and its demise