An Inspector Calls: Character Revision Guide
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 and lack of empathy. Its repetition throughout the play reinforces his initial arrogance and pride in his self-made success.
AO3 Context: This phrase directly embodies the capitalist ideology prevalent in Edwardian society, where economic success was often prioritized over social welfare. Priestley uses Birling to represent the ignorant and self-serving nature of the pre-war capitalist elite.
Insight (AO1): Priestley deliberately mocks this capitalist arrogance, positioning Birling as a symbol of destructive capitalist self-interest and moral blindness due to his inability to see beyond profit, reflecting a flawed ethical framework.
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.
AO3 Context: For the 1945 audience, the Titanic's sinking in 1912 was a well-known historical tragedy. This direct reference instantly reveals Birling's ignorance and misguided optimism, satirizing the self-assured but ultimately flawed perspectives of the ruling class who believed in unchecked progress.
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.
Quote: 'Lower costs and higher prices'
AO2 Language & Form: The stark contrast between 'lower costs' (for labor) and 'higher prices' (for goods) succinctly exposes the fundamental hypocrisy and exploitative nature of unchecked capitalism. It is a formula designed for maximum profit at the expense of workers.
Insight (AO1): This phrase is a concise summary of how capitalism, in Birling's view, functions: prioritizing profit over human welfare. It reveals his moral corruption and exploitation inherent in unchecked capitalism, indicating he is willing to exploit employees for personal gain.
Quote: 'I’d give thousands – yes, thousands'
AO2 Language & Form: The repetition of 'thousands' and the emphatic 'yes' highlight his desperate attempt to use money as a solution. This is a shallow display of guilt, clearly focused on saving his reputation and avoiding scandal rather than genuine remorse for Eva Smith's death.
Insight (AO1): Birling attempts to buy his way out of responsibility, wrongly assuming that financial compensation can resolve a moral crisis. This highlights the inherent flaw in his capitalist mindset: he believes money can fix any problem, even moral failure, demonstrating his inability to grasp true accountability.
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 and 'otherness' to working-class women, reinforcing her sense of superiority.
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 and condescension of the upper-middle class towards those they deemed beneath them.
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.
Quote: 'Deserving cases'
AO2 Language & Form: The phrase is deeply ironic, as her concept of 'charity' is based on arbitrary moral judgments rather than genuine compassion. She dictates who is 'deserving' based on her own prejudiced standards, effectively denying aid to those most in need.
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. Priestley uses Mrs. Birling to expose how social responsibility was often performative and conditional among the elite.
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 and dismissive.
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, illustrating their moral stagnation.
Quote: 'Triumphantly… I told you so'
AO2 Language & Form: The adverbial modifier 'triumphantly' emphasizes her self-satisfaction and moral blindness, even after being confronted with devastating truths. Her focus is on being proven 'right' rather than showing remorse.
Insight (AO1): This moment highlights the dangerous persistence of capitalist arrogance and 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 that will lead to further suffering.
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 and easily pleased by material things, reflecting her sheltered upbringing.
AO3 Context: This depiction represents a typical sheltered Edwardian girl, initially focused on superficialities like engagement rings and social status. Her initial naivety provides a stark contrast to her later moral development, marking her journey from innocence to awareness.
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.
Quote: 'These girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.'
AO2 Language & Form: The powerful contrast between 'cheap labour' and 'people' underscores a pivotal moment of moral awakening for Sheila. She moves beyond the dehumanizing capitalist perspective to recognize the inherent value and dignity of working-class individuals.
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, positioning her as one of the play's most hopeful characters who truly grasps the Inspector's lesson.
Quote: 'You mustn’t try to build up a wall…'
AO2 Language & Form: The metaphor of 'building up a wall' powerfully represents the emotional and social divides that the family tries to erect to shield themselves from responsibility and the truth. Sheila understands the futility and danger of this self-imposed isolation.
Insight (AO1): Sheila becomes a mouthpiece for Priestley’s call for social unity and collective responsibility, urging her family to break down barriers and accept their interconnectedness. She embodies the play’s core message that individual actions have communal consequences.
Quote: 'It frightens me the way you talk.'
AO2 Language & Form: The strong verb ‘frightens’ conveys the depth of her moral awareness and her visceral reaction to her parents' callous indifference. It highlights her emotional sensitivity and growing apprehension of their unwavering selfishness.
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. Sheila embodies generational hope, suggesting that the future lies with those willing to learn and evolve morally.
Eric Birling
Quote: 'Half shy, half assertive'
AO2 Language & Form: The sharp juxtaposition of 'half shy, half assertive' immediately reveals Eric’s inner conflict and unstable identity. It suggests a troubled young man caught between his privileged upbringing and a burgeoning sense of conscience, struggling with himself.
Insight (AO1): This initial description represents the conflicted and immature identity of youth, highlighting his internal struggle with his family's expectations and his own actions. He is presented as capable of moral change, but deeply flawed from the outset.
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 capitalist ideology. It shows his empathy for the workers and questions the inherent unfairness of the system.
Insight (AO1): Eric explicitly rejects the selfish principles of capitalism upheld by his father, showcasing an emerging socialist conscience and advocacy for workers' rights, marking a significant break from his upbringing.
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' (third-person detachment), attempts to distance himself from his own violent and exploitative actions. It minimizes the severity of his behavior and attempts to shift blame.
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. It reveals the darker side of Eric’s character.
Quote: 'You killed her – and the child she’d have had too'
AO2 Language & Form: The poignant repetition and broken syntax, marked by the dashes, clearly demonstrate Eric's profound guilt, emotional turmoil, and overwhelming grief. This outburst is a direct, unfiltered accusation against his mother, revealing his deep anguish.
Insight (AO1): This statement symbolizes a powerful generational revolt. Eric’s raw accusation is a direct challenge to his parents’ moral failures, signaling his complete moral awakening and his acceptance of responsibility, while simultaneously condemning his family's continued denial.
Inspector Goole
Quote: 'Massiveness, solidity and purposefulness'
AO2 Language & Form: This powerful triplet emphasizes the Inspector’s imposing physical presence and unwavering moral authority. These qualities convey his unshakeable conviction and the deliberate, controlled nature of his investigation.
Insight (AO1): The Inspector embodies Priestley’s socialist ideals, serving as the formidable voice of justice and collective conscience. His presence demands attention and respect, establishing him as the moral center of the play and the catalyst for truth.
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 connected and share a collective responsibility, akin to parts of a single organism.
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 and collective responsibility. It encapsulates the moral framework Priestley advocates.
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.
Quote: 'Fire and blood and anguish'
AO2 Language & Form: This prophetic tricolon, delivered with a chilling biblical tone, signifies the dire consequences of ignoring social responsibility. The imagery evokes widespread suffering, violence, and divine judgment, creating a sense of urgency and foreboding.
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 individualism.
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 approach, allowing him to systematically dismantle each character's defenses and expose their guilt.
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 and guiding confessions with precision and control.
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 understanding of how society—particularly its upper echelons—operates. This establishes him as initially self-assured and seemingly authoritative.
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. This reflects the patriarchal ideals where men like Gerald were accustomed to deference and power, comfortable within the existing 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 concerns of the Birling family. He represents the entrenched upper-class establishment, intrinsically comfortable with the status quo and, by extension, resistant to any profound social or moral change proposed by the Inspector.
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 or 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.
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 and self-gratifying motive. He is more concerned with his own reputation and self-image than with Eva's actual well-being.
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. His immediate denial, presented so crudely, is a transparent 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 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 and privileged lifestyle, deliberately ignoring the profound moral and social lessons the Inspector had tried to impart. It's a retreat into comfort and denial.
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 maintain the oppressive status quo.