An Inspector Calls Quotes

Learn the quotes from An Inspector Calls

Mr Birling Key Themes

• Capitalism

• Patriarchy

• Social position insecurity

• Wealth

• Nouveau riche (acquired wealth not inherited)

• Inability to change

The Play’s Key Terms

• Capitalism vs Socialism

• Exploitation

• Gender

• Young Gen vs Old Gen

• Social class

• Social responsibility

• Wealth and materialism

"...we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together - for lower costs and higher prices."

• epitome of capitalism

• sees marriage to Gerald as a mere business opportunity

a man has to make his own way—has to look after himself

• shows individualistic nature of capitalism

• nouveau riche (acquired wealth not inherited)

as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense

• simile comparison to nature shows his view on socialism as primitive

• no social conscience

• or lack of social responsibility

you ought to like this port, Gerald

• modal verb highlights insecurity

• he doesn’t want to command his social superior

• he is insecure about his social position

public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges

• Priestley’s message on social responsibility

• vehicle for socialism

I was an alderman for years -

and Lord Mayor two years ago -

and I'm still on the Bench

• hints at corruption

• belief that upper classes are above the law