Character Quotes from Act 1 of An Inspector Calls

Mr Birling's prediction

"In a year or two we'll have aeroplanes which will be able to go anywhere"

Mr Birling's belief

"I say there isn't a chance of war"

Mr Birling's self-description

"And I'm talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business."

Mr Birling's confidence

"unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable"

Mr Birling's dismissal

"silly little war scares."

Mrs Birling's description

His wife is about fifty, a rather cold woman and her husband's social superior.

Mrs Birling's criticism

"What an expression, Sheila! Really, the things you girls pick up these days!"

Mrs Birling's denial

"I did nothing I'm ashamed of or that won't bear investigation."

Mrs Birling's hypocrisy

"He should be made an example of. If the girl's death is due to anybody then it's due to him."

Mrs Birling's distress

[very distressed now] No - Eric - please - I didn't know - I didn't understand -

Mrs Birling's gratitude and subserviant nature

"And I must say, Gerald, you've argued this very cleverly, and I'm most grateful."

Eric's demeanor

"not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive"

Mr Birling's advice to Eric

"Just let me finish, Eric. You've a lot to learn yet."

Mr Birling on responsibilities

"It's about time you learnt to face a few responsibilities. That's something this public-school-and-Varsity life you've had doesn't seem to teach you."

Eric's view on his father

"you're not the kind of father a chap could go to when he's in trouble"

Eric's accusation

"Then - you killed her."

Sheila's engagement

"[who has put ring on, admiringly]: I think it's perfect. Now I really feel engaged."

Sheila's perspective on workers

"But these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people."

Sheila's regret

"How could I know what would happen afterwards? If she'd been some miserable plain little creature, I don't suppose I'd have done it. But she was very pretty and looked as if she could take care of herself. I couldn't be sorry for her."

Sheila's realization

"we've no excuse now for putting on airs and that if we've any sense we won't try."

Sheila's reflection

"Everything we said really had happened. If it didn't end tragically, then that's lucky for us. But it might have done."

Inspector Goole's disagreement

"No, sir. I can't agree with you there."

Inspector Goole's philosophy

"But after all it's better to ask for the earth than to take it."

Inspector Goole's harsh truth

"Yes, but you can't. It's too late. She's dead."

Inspector Goole's guilt statement

"If there's nothing else, we'll have to share our guilt."

Inspector Goole's accusation

"This girl killed herself—and died a horrible death. But each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget it. But then I don't think you ever will."

Inspector Goole's observation

"There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us."

Inspector Goole's warning

"they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish."

Gerald's description

"an attractive chap about thirty, rather too manly to be a dandy but very much the easy well-bred young man-about-town."

Gerald's defense

"We're respectable citizens and not dangerous criminals. Inspector: Sometimes there isn't as much difference as you think."

Gerald's observation

"It's a favourite haunt of women of the town -"

Gerald's realization

"Sorry - I - well, I've suddenly realized - taken it in properly - that she's dead -"

Sheila's comment on Gerald

"You were the wonderful Fairy Prince. You must have adored it, Gerald."

Gerald's regret

"She didn't blame me at all. I wish to God she had now. Perhaps I'd feel better about it."

Gerald's doubt

"That's right. You've got it. How do we know any girl killed herself today?"

Gerald's reassurance

"Everything's all right now, Sheila."