An Inspector Calls Revision Notes

Arthur Birling

A character who embodies the capitalist ideology and moral blindness in Priestley's play.

'Hard-headed, practical man of business'

A quote that emphasizes Birling's arrogance, stubbornness, and self-made success.

Alliteration

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a phrase, used to emphasize a characteristic.

Capitalist ideology

An economic system prioritizing profit maximization often at the expense of social welfare.

Destructive capitalist self-interest

A description of Birling's approach to business that values profit over morality.

'Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable'

Birling's naivete and delusion about social progress, highlighting his ignorance.

Dramatic irony

A situation where the audience knows more than the characters, revealing their flaws.

'Lower costs and higher prices'

A phrase summarizing Birling's exploitative business practices prioritizing profit.

Hypocrisy

The contradiction between Birling's views on charity and the reality of social responsibility.

'I’d give thousands – yes, thousands'

Birling's shallow attempt to compensate for moral failures with money.

Moral crisis

A situation where ethical values are in conflict, exposing true character.

Sybil Birling

Character representing entrenched upper-class prejudices and lack of empathy.

'Girls of that class'

A dismissive phrase highlighting Sybil's class prejudice and moral superiority.

Deictic pronoun

A term that indicates social distance, reinforcing class divides.

'Deserving cases'

A phrase showing the arbitrary nature of Sybil's judgments for charity.

Irony

When words are used to express something opposite to their literal meaning.

'I accept no blame'

Sybil's refusal to acknowledge responsibility for her actions.

Inspector Goole

A character representing justice and moral accountability.

'Massiveness, solidity and purposefulness'

Qualities that define the Inspector's imposing presence and moral authority.

'We are members of one body'

A metaphor for interdependence and collective social responsibility.

Tricolon

A series of three parallel words or phrases used for emphasis.

'Fire and blood and anguish'

A warning of the dire consequences of ignoring social responsibility.

'Man about town'

A self-description of Gerald indicating sophistication and social confidence.

Superficiality

The lack of depth in understanding, often concerning emotional or moral issues.

'She was young and pretty and warm-hearted – and intensely grateful.'

A quote that shows Gerald's objectifying view of Eva Smith.

'I don't come into this suicide business.'

A phrase illustrating Gerald's dismissive attitude towards responsibility.

Responsibility

The state of having a duty to deal with something or having control over someone.

'Everything's all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?'

Gerald's attempt to restore normality after the Inspector's lesson.

'Rather excited'

A phrase indicating Sheila's initial superficial concerns.

'These girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.'

A quote signifying Sheila's moral awakening and empathy.

'You mustn’t try to build up a wall…'

Sheila's warning against emotional detachment and denial of responsibility.

'It frightens me the way you talk.'

Sheila's recognition of her parents' moral failure.

'Half shy, half assertive'

A description of Eric's conflicted identity.

'Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?'

Eric's challenge to his father's capitalist beliefs.

Dehumanization

The process of depriving a person or group of positive human qualities.

'You killed her – and the child she’d have had too'

Eric's accusation revealing emotional turmoil and guilt.

Generational revolt

A significant moral awakening or challenge to previous generations' beliefs.

Moral order

A societal structure that aligns with ethical considerations and accountability.

'One line of inquiry at a time'

The Inspector's methodical approach to uncovering hidden truths.

'Triumphantly… I told you so'

Sybil's self-satisfaction in her beliefs, ignoring moral implications.

'Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?'

A quote exemplifying Eric's emerging empathy for workers.

Psychological defense mechanism

An unconscious strategy to protect oneself from emotional pain.

Objectification

The treatment of a person as an object or a commodity.

Self-serving logic

The reasoning that prioritizes one's benefit over societal good.

Collective guilt

Shared moral responsibility for actions impacting others.

Social hierarchy

An arrangement of individuals in a society ranked according to authority.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Materialism

Focus on material possessions over spiritual or ethical values.

Social cohesion

The bonds that bring society together, ensuring stability and unity.

Moral blindness

The inability to see the ethical implications of one’s actions.

Social change

The transformation of cultural, social, or economic institutions.

Capitalist exploitation

The unfair treatment of workers in pursuit of profit.