AIC Quotations

Act 1, 2, 3. All characters

What quote shows Birling’s pride in Gerald’s engagement for business advantage?

“Your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me.”

Which line shows Birling’s capitalist identity?

“a hard-headed businessman.”

Which quote shows Birling dismissing the threat of strikes?

“There’s a lot of wild talk about possible labour trouble.”

Which quote demonstrates Birling’s naïve views on war, used as dramatic irony?

“There isn’t a chance of war.”

What shows Birling's famously mistaken belief about the Titanic?

“unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”

Which quotation shows Birling’s blind optimism about the future?

“There’ll be peace and prosperity and rapid progress everywhere.”

What line reveals Birling’s obsession with social status?

“There’s a fair chance I might find my way into the next Honours List. Just a knighthood, of course!”

Which quote shows Birling’s fear of scandal and obsession with reputation?

“So long as we behave ourselves, don’t get into the police court or start a scandal.”

Which quotation reveals Birling’s individualist capitalist ideology?

“A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself.

Which quote mocks socialist ideas by comparing them to a “hive”?

A: “as if we’re all mixed up together like bees in a hive.”

Q: What shows Birling’s rejection of social responsibility?

A: “I can’t accept any responsibility.”

Q: Which line shows Birling’s pride in his social positions?

A: “I was an Alderman for years, and Lord Mayor two years ago.”

Q: What quote shows Birling trying to intimidate the Inspector?

A: “I ought to warn you that he’s an old friend of mine.”

Q: How does Birling patronise Sheila?

A: “Nothing to do with you, Sheila. Run along.”

Q: What shows Birling accusing the Inspector of upsetting Sheila?

A: “Why the devil do you want to go upsetting the child like that?”

Q: What quote shows Birling lecturing Eric about responsibility?

A: “It’s about time you learnt to face a few responsibilities.”

Q: Which line shows Birling’s ruthless justification for sacking Eva?

A: “It’s my duty to keep labour costs down.”

Q: What quote bluntly dismisses Eva Smith’s value?

A: “She had to go.”

Q: What stage direction shows Birling’s impatience when challenged?

A: “rather impatiently.”

Q: Which quote shows Birling trying to downplay the investigation?

A: “There’s nothing mysterious – or scandalous – about this business.”

Q: How does Birling try to show justification for his actions?

A: “I was quite justified.”

Q: Which line shows him resenting the Inspector’s authority?

A: “I don’t like that tone.”