An Inspector Calls Key Quotes

Mr Birling

Act 1 = "A man has to make his own way - look after himself - and his family too"
Act 2 = "Is there any reason my wife should answer questions from you, Inspector?"
Act 3 = "I've got to cover this up as soon as I can", "This makes a difference"

Mrs Birling

Act 1 = "Arthur, you're not supposed to say such things"
Act 2 = "I think it was simply a piece of gross impertinence - quite deliberate"
Act 3 = " I was the only one who didn't give into him"

Sheila

Act 1 = "Mummy - isn't it a beauty"
Act 2 = "Mother, I think that was cruel and vile"
Act 3 = "Everything we said had happened really happened. If it didn't end tragically that's lucky for us. But it might have done."

Eric

Stage Directions = "Not quite at ease, half shy - half assertive"
Act One = "Why shouldn't they try for higher prices? We try for the highest possible prices"
Act Three= "I don't give a damn"

Gerald

Act One = "I think my father would agree to that too."
Act Two = "I don't feel about her as she felt about me"
Act Three = "What about this ring?"

Inspector Goole

Stage Directions = "The Inspector need not a big man but at once creates a sense of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness."
Act Two = "Public Men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges."
Act Three = "The time will soon come, if men will not learn that lesson, they will be taught it in fire, blood and anguish."