An Inspector Calls Revision Notes
Arthur Birling
Quote: 'Hard-headed, practical man of business'
AO2 Language & Form: The alliteration 'hard-headed' not only emphasizes his business acumen but also ironically highlights his stubbornness, moral inflexibility, and profound lack of empathy. Its repetition throughout the play reinforces his initial arrogance and pride in his self-made success, establishing him as a character resistant to any form of social or emotional softening.
AO3 Context: This phrase directly embodies the capitalist ideology prevalent in Edwardian society, where relentless economic success and profit maximization were often prioritized over social welfare or ethical considerations. Priestley uses Birling to represent the ignorant and self-serving nature of the pre-war capitalist elite, symbolizing the industrialist class who viewed labor as a commodity and dismissed social responsibility.
Insight (AO1): Priestley deliberately mocks this capitalist arrogance, positioning Birling as a symbol of destructive capitalist self-interest and moral blindness. His inability to see beyond profit leads him to exploit others and resist any notion of collective responsibility, reflecting a deeply flawed ethical framework that values wealth above human dignity and community.
Quote: 'Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable'
AO2 Language & Form: The dramatic irony is profound and discredits Birling's authority immediately for the 1945 audience. The repetition and emphatic adverb 'absolutely' highlight his overconfidence and poor judgment, associating him with monumental failures. This superlative reinforces his unwavering, almost delusional, certainty in progress and capitalist structures, making his pronouncements inherently unreliable.
AO3 Context: For the 1945 audience, the Titanic's sinking in 1912 was a well-known historical tragedy, a symbol of technological hubris and class-based social indifference. This direct reference instantly reveals Birling's ignorance, misguided optimism, and a complete failure to foresee catastrophic consequences, satirizing the self-assured but ultimately flawed perspectives of the ruling class who believed in unchecked progress without regard for social cost or human life.
Insight (AO1): This moment profoundly illustrates the blindness and complacency of the ruling class, who are depicted as out of touch with reality and unable to foresee the consequences of their actions, both literal and metaphorical (e.g., social unrest, war). It highlights their dangerous belief in their own infallibility, which ultimately leads to societal breakdown.
Quote: 'Lower costs and higher prices'
AO2 Language & Form: The stark contrast between 'lower costs' (for labor) and 'higher prices' (for goods) succinctly and chillingly exposes the fundamental hypocrisy and exploitative nature of unchecked capitalism. It is a formula designed for maximum profit at the direct expense of workers' welfare and fair market practices, revealing the self-serving logic that drives Birling's business.
Insight (AO1): This phrase is a concise summary of how capitalism, in Birling's view, functions: prioritizing profit over human welfare and ethical treatment. It explicitly reveals his moral corruption and the inherent exploitation in unchecked capitalism, indicating he is willing to exploit his employees for personal gain, viewing their lives merely as factors in his economic equations, devoid of human dignity.
Quote: 'I’d give thousands – yes, thousands'
AO2 Language & Form: The powerful repetition of 'thousands' and the emphatic 'yes' highlight his desperate attempt to use money as a solution to a moral crisis. This is a shallow display of guilt, clearly focused on saving his reputation and avoiding public scandal or family disgrace rather than expressing genuine remorse for Eva Smith's death or his contribution to it. The timing of the offer further emphasizes its transactional nature.
Insight (AO1): Birling attempts to buy his way out of responsibility, wrongly assuming that financial compensation can resolve a profound moral crisis. This highlights the inherent flaw in his capitalist mindset: he believes money can fix any problem, even moral failure and human suffering, demonstrating his utter inability to grasp true accountability, empathy, or the irreparable damage caused by his actions.
Sybil Birling
Quote: 'Girls of that class'
AO2 Language & Form: The deictic pronoun ‘that’ creates an immediate social and emotional distance, establishing her rigid class prejudice. It implies an inherent inferiority, 'otherness,' and moral deficiency to working-class women, reinforcing her unquestioned sense of social superiority and ingrained snobbery. The tone is dismissive and contemptuous, stripping individuals like Eva Smith of their humanity.
AO3 Context: This epitomizes the entrenched Edwardian class prejudice, where strict social hierarchies dictated attitudes and treatment of others. Mrs. Birling's language reflects the snobbery, condescension, and moral judgment of the upper-middle class towards those they deemed beneath them, believing them inherently less worthy and morally suspect.
Insight (AO1): This quote powerfully demonstrates her profound class prejudice and utter lack of empathy towards the lower class, revealing her as a symbol of the rigid, unforgiving social structures that Priestley criticizes. Her inability to see beyond class distinctions prevents her from acknowledging Eva's humanity or her own role in Eva's suffering.
Quote: 'Deserving cases'
AO2 Language & Form: The phrase is deeply ironic, as her concept of 'charity' is entirely based on arbitrary, self-serving, and prejudiced moral judgments rather than genuine compassion. She dictates who is 'deserving' based on her own narrow, classist standards, effectively denying aid to those most in need (like Eva Smith) and maintaining a sense of moral superiority.
Insight (AO1): This statement exposes the hypocrisy embedded within the Edwardian charity system, which often served to reinforce class distinctions and maintain the moral superiority of the donors, rather than genuinely alleviate suffering. Priestley uses Mrs. Birling to expose how social responsibility was often performative, conditional, and deeply patronizing among the elite, functioning as a tool to control the lower classes.
Quote: 'I accept no blame'
AO2 Language & Form: This declarative statement of absolute refusal highlights her unwavering moral finality and her complete inability to acknowledge any personal responsibility for Eva Smith's death. It is assertive, dismissive, and utterly uncompromising, directly clashing with the Inspector's central message of collective social accountability.
Insight (AO1): This directly contrasts with the Inspector’s socialist message of collective responsibility. Mrs. Birling symbolizes the stubborn, unyielding older generation's refusal to confront their failings or accept social reform. Her moral stagnation and entrenched individualism make her an embodiment of the resistance to change that Priestley critiques, illustrating the perils of an unexamined conscience.
Quote: 'Triumphantly… I told you so'
AO2 Language & Form: The adverbial modifier 'triumphantly' emphasizes her self-satisfaction, moral blindness, and almost glee, even after being confronted with devastating truths about her family's actions and Eva's death. Her focus is solely on being proven 'right' about the Inspector's identity, rather than showing any genuine remorse or understanding of the moral implications of the evening.
Insight (AO1): This moment highlights the dangerous persistence of capitalist arrogance and a profound refusal to learn from mistakes. Priestley implies that if this generation remains unchanged, society is doomed to repeat its errors, warning of a cyclical ignorance and self-interest that will inevitably lead to further suffering, mirroring the societal conditions that led to two World Wars.
Sheila Birling
Quote: 'Rather excited'
AO2 Language & Form: The adverb 'rather' suggests a superficial and somewhat childish optimism at the play's outset. It sets her up as initially naive, easily pleased by material things like engagement rings, and primarily concerned with social status, reflecting her sheltered upbringing and limited understanding of the world beyond her privileged bubble.
AO3 Context: This depiction represents a typical sheltered Edwardian girl, initially focused on superficialities like engagement rings and social status, whose life was largely managed and protected. Her initial naivety provides a stark contrast to her later moral development, marking her journey from innocence to awareness and challenging the societal expectations for young women of her class.
Insight (AO1): This depicts Sheila as a typical sheltered Edwardian girl, initially naive and focused on superficialities, setting up her later moral development and journey from innocence to awareness. Her transformation becomes more impactful due to the contrast with her initial mindset, demonstrating the capacity for change in the younger generation.
Quote: 'These girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.'
AO2 Language & Form: The powerful contrast between 'cheap labour' (which dehumanizes and reduces individuals to economic units) and 'people' (which emphasizes inherent value, dignity, and shared humanity) underscores a pivotal moment of moral awakening for Sheila. She moves directly beyond the dehumanizing capitalist perspective to recognize the inherent worth of working-class individuals. The directness of her statement signifies a break from her parents' ideology.
Insight (AO1): This quote directly reflects Priestley’s socialist message of equality and human dignity. Sheila symbolizes the potential for empathy and profound social change within the younger generation, positioning her as one of the play's most hopeful characters who truly grasps the Inspector's lesson of collective responsibility and interconnectedness.
Quote: 'You mustn’t try to build up a wall…'
AO2 Language & Form: The metaphor of 'building up a wall' powerfully represents the emotional, social, and moral divides that the family tries to erect to shield themselves from responsibility, uncomfortable truths, and the consequences of their actions. Sheila understands the futility and danger of this self-imposed isolation and moral blindness, urging them to confront reality.
Insight (AO1): Sheila becomes a mouthpiece for Priestley’s call for social unity and collective responsibility, urging her family to break down barriers of class and ego and accept their interconnectedness. She embodies the play’s core message that individual actions have communal consequences, advocating for a society built on empathy and genuine communication.
Quote: 'It frightens me the way you talk.'
AO2 Language & Form: The strong verb ‘frightens’ powerfully conveys the depth of her moral awareness and her visceral, almost instinctive, reaction to her parents' callous indifference and refusal to accept blame. It highlights her emotional sensitivity, her recognition of their moral bankruptcy, and her growing apprehension of their unwavering selfishness and lack of conscience.
Insight (AO1): This quote highlights the profound generational divide and the fear that the younger generation feels towards the older generation's stubborn refusal to change or learn from their mistakes. Sheila embodies generational hope, suggesting that the future lies with those willing to learn, adapt, and evolve morally, rather than clinging to destructive past ideologies.
Eric Birling
Quote: 'Half shy, half assertive'
AO2 Language & Form: The sharp juxtaposition of 'half shy, half assertive' immediately reveals Eric’s inner conflict, unstable identity, and volatile emotional state. It suggests a troubled young man caught between his privileged upbringing and a burgeoning sense of conscience or rebellion, struggling deeply with himself and his place within the family. This tension hints at his deep-seated psychological issues.
Insight (AO1): This initial description represents the conflicted and immature identity of youth, highlighting his internal struggle with his family's oppressive expectations and his own morally questionable actions. He is presented as capable of moral change and potentially empathetic, but deeply flawed and vulnerable from the outset, foreshadowing his later confession.
Quote: 'Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?'
AO2 Language & Form: This rhetorical question signifies Eric's developing moral reasoning and his direct challenge to his father's entrenched capitalist ideology and exploitation of workers. It shows his nascent empathy for the working class and questions the inherent unfairness of a system designed to keep wages low for maximum profit.
Insight (AO1): Eric explicitly rejects the selfish principles of capitalism upheld by his father, showcasing an emerging socialist conscience and advocacy for workers' rights. This marks a significant moral break from his upbringing and aligns him with the Inspector's progressive views, demonstrating his capacity for independent thought and social justice.
Quote: 'In that state when a chap easily turns nasty'
AO2 Language & Form: This euphemism for rape or sexual assault, combined with his use of 'a chap' (a depersonalizing, third-person detachment), functions as a psychological defense mechanism. It attempts to distance himself from his own violent and exploitative actions, minimizing the severity of his behavior and shamefully attempting to shift blame away from his personal culpability. The casualness is chilling.
Insight (AO1): This quote serves as a powerful critique of male entitlement and patriarchal hypocrisy within Edwardian society, where men often evaded consequences for their actions towards women, particularly those of lower social standing. It brutally reveals the darker, more predatory side of Eric’s character, exposed under the Inspector's scrutiny, and points to systemic issues of gender inequality.
Quote: 'You killed her – and the child she’d have had too'
AO2 Language & Form: The poignant repetition of 'killed' and the broken syntax, marked by the dashes, clearly demonstrate Eric's profound guilt, emotional turmoil, and overwhelming grief. This raw outburst is a direct, unfiltered, and deeply felt accusation against his mother, revealing his deep anguish, moral outrage, and a complete breakdown of familial respect in the face of her denial.
Insight (AO1): This statement symbolizes a powerful generational revolt and a complete moral awakening. Eric’s raw accusation is a direct challenge to his parents’ moral failures and their refusal to accept responsibility, signaling his full acceptance of his own culpability for Eva's death, while simultaneously condemning his family's continued denial and moral blindness.
Inspector Goole
Quote: 'Massiveness, solidity and purposefulness'
AO2 Language & Form: This powerful triplet emphasizes the Inspector’s imposing physical presence, unwavering moral authority, and singular mission. 'Massiveness' suggests significant, unyielding influence; 'solidity' denotes his unshakeable principles and factual grounding; and 'purposefulness' highlights his deliberate, controlled, and focused nature of his investigation. These qualities convey an almost superhuman presence.
Insight (AO1): The Inspector embodies Priestley’s socialist ideals, serving as the formidable voice of justice and collective conscience. His commanding presence demands attention and respect, establishing him as the moral center of the play and the catalyst for truth, exposing the hidden moral failings of the Birling family and Gerald Croft.
Quote: 'We are members of one body'
AO2 Language & Form: This powerful metaphor for human unity and interdependence summarizes the core of Priestley’s social philosophy. It suggests that all individuals are inextricably connected and share a collective responsibility, akin to parts of a single organism where harm to one part affects the whole. The imagery implies a fundamental biological and societal bond.
AO3 Context: This quote explicitly reflects both Christian teachings on humanity's interconnectedness (e.g., 'we are all members one of another' from the Bible) and foundational socialist messages of community, empathy, and collective responsibility. It encapsulates the moral framework Priestley advocates, aiming to persuade a post-war society towards greater social cohesion.
Insight (AO1): This powerful metaphor summarizes the core of Priestley’s social philosophy: human unity and collective responsibility, suggesting all individuals are connected and share a collective duty to care for one another. It directly challenges the selfish individualism of the Birlings and presents an alternative, more compassionate societal vision.
Quote: 'Fire and blood and anguish'
AO2 Language & Form: This prophetic tricolon, delivered with a chilling, almost biblical tone, signifies the dire consequences of ignoring social responsibility. The vivid imagery evokes widespread suffering, violence, and divine judgment, creating a profound sense of urgency and foreboding. The cumulative effect of these powerful nouns predicts a catastrophic future if lessons are not learned.
Insight (AO1): Priestley uses this as a thinly veiled allusion to the World Wars, warning the audience of 1945 that if society does not embrace social change and collective responsibility, it will face further devastating conflicts and widespread suffering. It's a stark warning against unchecked individualism and capitalist exploitation, implying that lack of social conscience inevitably leads to global conflict.
Quote: 'One line of inquiry at a time'
AO2 Language & Form: This statement establishes the Inspector’s methodical and controlled investigative structure. It reflects his deliberate, systematic approach, allowing him to dismantle each character's defenses precisely, expose their individual guilt, and build a cumulative case that reveals their collective culpability without allowing for deflection or evasion. This structure heightens tension and suspense.
Insight (AO1): This approach positions the Inspector as an embodiment of truth and moral order, systematically unveiling the interconnected web of responsibility that links the family to Eva Smith's fate. His precision guides confessions and ensures that each character confronts their role, making him an agent of moral transformation for some, and judgment for others.
Gerald Croft
Quote: 'Man about town’
AO2 Language & Form: This self-description carries strong connotations of sophistication, worldliness, and societal influence. The phrase suggests Gerald is a well-known, charming figure who navigates elite social circles with ease, implying a casual confidence and an inherent understanding of how society—particularly its upper echelons—operates. This establishes him as initially self-assured, seemingly authoritative, and comfortable within his privileged position.
AO3 Context: This epithet perfectly embodies the idealized self-image of a wealthy, upper-class gentleman in Edwardian society. Such men were not merely financially powerful but also socially dominant, expected to be charismatic and capable, often holding significant influence and enjoying unquestioned deference. This reflects the patriarchal ideals where men like Gerald were accustomed to power and privilege, comfortable within the existing self-serving social hierarchy.
Insight (AO1): Gerald's self-perception as a 'man about town' highlights his initial confidence and a certain detachment from the more provincial moral concerns of the Birling family. He represents the entrenched upper-class establishment, intrinsically comfortable with the status quo and, by extension, profoundly resistant to any profound social or moral change proposed by the Inspector, as such changes would threaten his comfortable position.
Quote: 'She was young and pretty and warm-hearted – and intensely grateful.'
AO2 Language & Form: The string of adjectives 'young, pretty, warm-hearted' reveals Gerald's superficial and objectifying appreciation of Eva Smith. He reduces her to a set of desirable, passive feminine traits, focusing on her attractiveness and gentle nature rather than her individual character, agency, or profound suffering. The phrase 'intensely grateful' is particularly revealing; it suggests he significantly enjoyed the power dynamic inherent in being her 'rescuer,' feeding his ego and reinforcing deep-seated male entitlement within Edwardian society, where women's gratitude was expected.
Insight (AO1): This quote exposes Gerald's patronizing and deeply self-serving perception of Eva/Daisy. His focus on her vulnerability and gratitude, rather than her inherent dignity, indicates that his actions were rooted in a desire to be seen as a benevolent protector, which ultimately masked a more exploitative, self-gratifying, and ultimately irresponsible motive. He is more concerned with his own reputation and self-image than with Eva's actual well-being or the ethics of his actions.
Quote: 'I don't come into this suicide business.'
AO2 Language & Form: The dismissive phrase 'suicide business' is profoundly insensitive and minimizes the gravity of Eva Smith's tragic death. By referring to it as a 'business,' Gerald dehumanizes the event, treating it as a trivial, transactional matter rather than a profound human tragedy requiring empathy. His immediate denial, presented so crudely, is a transparent and desperate attempt to distance himself completely from any personal responsibility or moral culpability.
Insight (AO1): Gerald's immediate attempt to evade responsibility and dismiss the severity of the situation starkly showcases the callous detachment often characteristic of his social class when confronted with the suffering caused by their actions. This deliberate emotional and moral distance contrasts sharply with Sheila's rapidly growing empathy and willingness to accept responsibility, highlighting Gerald's initial moral blindness and deep-seated resistance to accountability.
Quote: 'Everything's all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?'
AO2 Language & Form: This statement, delivered immediately after the Inspector’s departure, represents a desperate and cynical attempt to restore a superficial illusion of normality and avoid true accountability for their actions. The abrupt question about 'this ring' is symbolic; it signifies his overwhelming desire to revert to their previous materialistic values, social status, and privileged lifestyle, deliberately ignoring the profound moral and social lessons the Inspector had tried to impart. It's a retreat into comfort, denial, and the illusion that appearances can erase culpability.
Insight (AO1): This closing remark profoundly reveals Gerald's fundamental failure to grasp the Inspector's socialist message of collective responsibility and empathy. He becomes a mirror for the older generation's denial and complacency, indicating that he, like Arthur and Sybil Birling, is ultimately unwilling to truly change or learn from his actions. Priestley uses Gerald to embody the persistent, deeply ingrained flaws within the upper classes that resist social reform and stubbornly maintain the oppressive status quo, thus hindering societal progress.