GCSE Inspector Calls Quotes

“We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” — Inspector

Context:

• Priestley wrote the play in 1945, just after WWII, promoting social responsibility.

• Reflects socialist ideas, opposing the selfish capitalist attitudes of the Edwardian era (1912).

Analysis:

• The collective pronoun “we” reinforces unity and shared duty.

• The metaphor “one body” suggests society functions like a living organism—if one part suffers, all do.

• Priestley uses the Inspector as his moral mouthpiece, making this quote adaptable to questions on themes, Inspector, or Priestley’s intentions.

“A man has to make his own way — has to look after himself.” — Mr Birling

Context:

• Reflects early 20th-century capitalist ideology, where wealth equated to moral worth.

• Priestley criticises this mindset after witnessing its consequences through war and inequality.

Analysis:

• The repetition of “has to” suggests Birling sees selfishness as a moral obligation.

• The Inspector later directly challenges this view, making Birling a symbol of outdated thinking.

• Ideal for essays on Mr Birling, responsibility, social class, or Priestley’s critique of capitalism.

“If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.” — Inspector

Context:

• Written after two world wars, which Priestley presents as punishment for selfish societies.

• The audience in 1945 would recognise the warning as historically accurate.

Analysis:

• The violent imagery “fire and blood and anguish” foreshadows war, creating a threatening tone.

• The tricolon intensifies the message, making it memorable and dramatic.

• This quote works brilliantly for theme essays, Inspector questions, and Priestley’s message.

“You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble.” — Eric

Context:

• Edwardian fathers were often authoritarian and emotionally distant.

• Priestley challenges traditional family structures to show how they damage younger generations.

Analysis:

• The informal noun “chap” contrasts with Birling’s rigid authority.

• Eric’s criticism exposes how patriarchal power suppresses honesty.

• Useful for Eric, Mr Birling, family, or generational divide questions.

“I know I’m to blame — and I’m desperately sorry.” — Sheila

Context:

• Younger characters reflect Priestley’s hope that society can change.

• Post-war Britain aimed for reform, including the Welfare State.

Analysis:

• The adverb “desperately” shows genuine remorse, not performative guilt.

• Sheila’s acceptance of responsibility contrasts with her parents’ denial.

• Can be used for Sheila, responsibility, generational change, or morality.

“Girls of that class—” — Mrs Birling

Context:

• Upper-class Edwardians often believed the poor were morally inferior.

• Priestley exposes this prejudice to criticise entrenched classism.

Analysis:

• The dash indicates a dismissive, incomplete thought, suggesting casual cruelty.

• The phrase “that class” dehumanises Eva Smith.

• Effective for Mrs Birling, social class, responsibility, or prejudice essays.

“There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us.” — Inspector

Context:

• “Smith” is the most common British surname, representing the working class.

• Priestley universalises Eva to show widespread injustice.

Analysis:

• The repetition “millions and millions” emphasises scale.

• Eva becomes a symbol rather than an individual, reinforcing the play’s moral purpose.

• Adaptable to any theme-based question.

“The Titanic…unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.” — Mr Birling

Context:

• Set in 1912, before the Titanic sank.

• 1945 audience would immediately recognise Birling’s ignorance.

Analysis:

• Priestley uses dramatic irony to undermine Birling’s authority.

• The adverb “absolutely” highlights his overconfidence.

• This quote works for structure, Mr Birling, Priestley’s intentions, or theme essays.

“I did for a time.”

Context:

• Edwardian upper-class men often believed temporary charity excused exploitation.

• Gerald represents the younger generation, but is still tied to capitalist values.

Analysis:

• The vague time phrase “for a time” minimises responsibility.

• Suggests Gerald sees morality as temporary and convenient.

• Shows contrast between surface kindness and deeper selfishness.

“Everything’s all right now, Sheila.”

Context:

• Gerald wants to restore social order once the Inspector leaves.

• Reflects upper-class desire to avoid lasting consequences.

Analysis:

• The absolute phrase “all right” shows denial of moral responsibility.

• Dramatic irony: the phone call immediately undermines him.

• Priestley criticises Gerald’s failure to truly change.