IC: ANALYSIS

"For lower costs and higher prices."

Shows Birling's capitalist greed; he prioritizes profit over the welfare of his workers.

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

Shows Birling's arrogance; the repetition of "hard-headed" suggests he lacks empathy and won't change.

"But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people."

Represents the shift to the younger generation’s socialist views; she recognizes the humanity of the poor.

"A chain of events."

Key metaphor for social responsibility; shows how one small, selfish act can lead to a huge tragedy.

"Girls of that class —"

Dehumanising language that shows Mrs Birling's prejudice and belief that she is morally superior.

"I became at once the most important person in her life – you understand?"

Shows Gerald’s "hero complex" and the power imbalance between wealthy men and poor women.

"I did nothing I’m ashamed of."

Highlights the older generation's refusal to accept guilt; she represents the coldness of the upper class.

"He was our police inspector all right."

Eric realizes it doesn't matter if the Inspector was "real"—the moral lesson and the guilt remain.

"We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other."

The core socialist message; uses a religious metaphor to suggest society must look after everyone.

"Fire and blood and anguish."

A warning of the World Wars; suggests that if society doesn't change, it will be destroyed by violence.

"I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can."

Shows Birling only cares about his reputation and knighthood, showing no remorse for Eva's death.

"She was a very pretty girl… that didn’t make it any better."

Shows how women were pitted against each other and how Sheila used her class power as a weapon.

"I wasn't in love with her or anything—but she was pretty and a good sport."

Dehumanises Eva; "good sport" suggests Eric viewed her as a game, showing the patriarchal mistreatment of women.

"Every thing’s all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?"

Shows Gerald is like the older generation; he wants to ignore the truth and go back to normal.

"You’re beginning to pretend now that nothing’s really happened."

Highlights the generational divide; the children accept their role in the tragedy while the parents hide from it.