An Inspector Calls: Key Quotes and Character Analysis

This page presents a collection of important quotes from An Inspector Calls, offering insight into the characters' personalities and the play's central themes. Each quote is accompanied by a brief analysis to help students understand its significance within the context of the play.

Mr. Birling

Quote: "Everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive-community and all that nonsense"

This quote encapsulates Mr. Birling's initial attitude towards social responsibility. He dismisses the idea of community and interconnectedness, reflecting his capitalist mindset and belief in individualism.

Quote: "Now look at the pair of them - the famous younger generation, who know it all. And they can't even take a joke?"

Mr. Birling's condescending attitude towards the younger generation is evident here, highlighting the generational divide and his resistance to change.

Highlight: Mr. Birling's character represents the old guard of society, resistant to social change and dismissive of collective responsibility.

Gerald

Quote: "Old Joe Meggarty, half-drunk and goggle-eyed had wedged her into a corner with that obscene carcass of his."

This vivid description by Gerald reveals his awareness of the exploitation faced by working-class women, yet his initial inaction in addressing such issues.

Quote: "Suppose it was inevitable. She was young and pretty and warm-hearted"

Gerald's attempt to justify his affair with Eva Smith/Daisy Renton demonstrates his tendency to rationalize his actions and the prevailing attitudes towards working-class women.

Inspector Goole

Quote: "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other."

This powerful statement encapsulates the central message of the play, emphasizing the interconnectedness of society and the moral obligation to care for others.

Quote: "I tell you that soon the time will come when if men will not learn that lesson than they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish!"

The Inspector's prophetic warning hints at the impending world wars and social upheavals, underscoring the urgency of his message.

Eric

Quote: "You killed her... and the child she'd have had too - my child - your own grandchild - you all killed them both - damn you, damn you!"

Eric's emotional outburst reveals the full extent of the family's collective responsibility and the personal impact of their actions on him.

Highlight: Eric's character arc demonstrates the potential for growth and change, as he comes to recognize and confront the consequences of his actions.

Sheila

Quote: "But those girls aren't cheap labour - they're people!"

Sheila's realization marks a turning point in her character development, as she begins to empathize with the working class and question societal norms.

Quote: "I'm to blame - and I'm desperately sorry - but I can't believe - I won't believe - it's simply my fault that in the end she - committed suicide."

This quote shows Sheila's struggle to come to terms with her role in Eva's death, illustrating the complex emotions and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

Mrs. Birling

Quote: "I don't suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class..."

Mrs. Birling's dismissive attitude towards Eva Smith reveals her deep-seated class prejudices and lack of empathy for those she considers beneath her social standing.

Vocabulary: Class prejudice - Preconceived opinions or attitudes held about people from different social classes, often leading to discrimination or unfair treatment.

Example: Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva Smith when she came to the charity organization exemplifies how class prejudice can have dire consequences for those in need.

These important quotes and their analysis provide valuable insights into the characters and themes of An Inspector Calls, making them essential for GCSE students studying the play. The quotes highlight the play's exploration of social responsibility, class divisions, and the potential for personal growth and change in the face of moral challenges.