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casey
11/12/2025
English Literature
Inspector Calls Quote Banks
52
•
11 Dec 2025
•
casey
@c.caseywilson
J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" features complex characters who each... Show more
Ever wondered what happens when someone absolutely refuses to be ignored? Inspector Goole creates an immediate impression of being unstoppable - he's described as having "massiveness, solidity and purposefulness" that makes it impossible for anyone to dismiss him.
His language is deliberately harsh and direct. When he says Eva "lies with a burnt out inside on a slab," he's using shocking imagery to make the family feel genuine remorse. The Inspector won't let anyone escape responsibility, telling them bluntly: "Each of you helped to kill her. Remember that."
The Inspector represents Priestley's socialist message about social responsibility. His famous line "We are responsible for each other" shows he believes poverty affects everyone. He even predicts future disasters if people don't change: "If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish."
Key Point: Inspector Goole refuses to be intimidated by wealth or status - he won't even discuss golf, which he sees as an elite pastime that represents everything wrong with upper-class privilege.
Sheila undergoes the most dramatic character development in the play. She starts as a spoilt, materialistic girl who's "very pleased with life" and excited about her engagement ring, but the Inspector's revelation completely changes her worldview.
Initially, Sheila acts childishly, calling her father "Daddy" and getting Eva sacked from her job out of jealousy. However, she quickly develops socialist sympathies, telling her father that workers "aren't cheap labour - they're people." This makes her a mouthpiece for Priestley's political message.
Sheila becomes increasingly insightful, realising the Inspector is "giving us the rope so we hang ourselves." She's the first to understand his interrogation method and grows confident enough to challenge her parents' coldness, telling her mother she was "cruel and vile" to Eva.
Key Point: Sheila's refusal to put her engagement ring back on shows her newfound independence and moral strength - she won't return to her old life until she's processed what she's learned.
Mr Birling embodies everything Priestley criticises about capitalism and social climbing. He's desperate for a knighthood and constantly name-drops his connections, saying he knows "the Brumley officers pretty well" to try intimidating the Inspector.
His business philosophy is simple but heartless: "lower costs and higher prices." When Eva asked for better wages, he sacked her immediately, justifying this by saying "she had a lot to say" and "had to go." This shows he views workers as disposable rather than human beings.
Priestley uses dramatic irony to make Mr Birling look foolish - he calls the Titanic "unsinkable" and claims there won't be a war. The audience knows he's completely wrong, which undermines his authority and judgement throughout the play.
Key Point: Mr Birling's patronising attitude towards the "famous younger generation" shows he's learned nothing from the Inspector's visit and will continue his selfish ways.
Mrs Birling represents everything wrong with upper-class attitudes towards the poor. She constantly tells her children to stop being "childish" whenever they show genuine emotion or moral growth, preferring to maintain appearances over addressing real issues.
Her treatment of Eva at the charity organisation reveals her true character. Mrs Birling uses her influence to deny Eva help, claiming "I did my duty." She justifies this by saying girls "of that sort" would never refuse money, showing her prejudiced views about working-class women.
Priestley makes Mrs Birling look foolish when she blames "the young man who was the father of the child," not knowing she's talking about her own son Eric. When she discovers the truth, she becomes "agitated" and refuses to believe it, showing she doesn't really know her own family.
Key Point: Mrs Birling proudly claims she was "the only one who didn't give in" to the Inspector, completely missing the point that refusing to learn from mistakes is actually the worst response.
Eric starts the play feeling uncertain about his place in the world, described as "half shy, half assertive." This makes him more open to change than his parents, similar to his sister Sheila. His drinking problem hints at deeper issues with his privileged lifestyle.
Unlike his father, Eric shows genuine concern for working-class struggles, asking "Why shouldn't they try for higher wages?" This demonstrates early socialist sympathies. However, his relationship with his father is clearly strained - Eric says Mr Birling isn't "the kind of father a chap can go to when he's in trouble."
Eric's treatment of Eva reveals his immaturity and the dangers of unchecked privilege. He admits he "wasn't in love with her or anything" but got her pregnant, showing how the wealthy can exploit vulnerable people without considering consequences.
Key Point: By the end, Eric violently blames his parents for Eva's death, shouting "you killed them both - damn you!" His anger shows he genuinely understands the moral lesson, unlike his parents.
Gerald might seem like the perfect gentleman at first, but there's much more beneath the surface. He's described as a "well-bred man about town" - suggesting he's wealthy and presentable, but this also hints at his reputation with women.
Initially, Gerald acts like a yes-man to Mr Birling, agreeing with everything to stay in his good books. However, when the Inspector's investigation threatens to expose his secrets, Gerald becomes desperate to cover up his affair with Eva Smith. He tries to protect Sheila by suggesting she goes to bed, claiming she's tired.
When Gerald finally admits his relationship with Eva, he reveals his selfish attitude: "I didn't feel about her as she felt about me." This shows he led Eva on without having genuine feelings, viewing their relationship only through his own privileged perspective.
Key Point: Gerald's attempt to prove the Inspector was fake shows he's more concerned with avoiding consequences than learning from his mistakes.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
casey
@c.caseywilson
J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" features complex characters who each represent different social attitudes. Through their dialogue and actions, we see how the mysterious Inspector Goole exposes the moral failings of the Birling family and Gerald Croft.
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Ever wondered what happens when someone absolutely refuses to be ignored? Inspector Goole creates an immediate impression of being unstoppable - he's described as having "massiveness, solidity and purposefulness" that makes it impossible for anyone to dismiss him.
His language is deliberately harsh and direct. When he says Eva "lies with a burnt out inside on a slab," he's using shocking imagery to make the family feel genuine remorse. The Inspector won't let anyone escape responsibility, telling them bluntly: "Each of you helped to kill her. Remember that."
The Inspector represents Priestley's socialist message about social responsibility. His famous line "We are responsible for each other" shows he believes poverty affects everyone. He even predicts future disasters if people don't change: "If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught in fire and blood and anguish."
Key Point: Inspector Goole refuses to be intimidated by wealth or status - he won't even discuss golf, which he sees as an elite pastime that represents everything wrong with upper-class privilege.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sheila undergoes the most dramatic character development in the play. She starts as a spoilt, materialistic girl who's "very pleased with life" and excited about her engagement ring, but the Inspector's revelation completely changes her worldview.
Initially, Sheila acts childishly, calling her father "Daddy" and getting Eva sacked from her job out of jealousy. However, she quickly develops socialist sympathies, telling her father that workers "aren't cheap labour - they're people." This makes her a mouthpiece for Priestley's political message.
Sheila becomes increasingly insightful, realising the Inspector is "giving us the rope so we hang ourselves." She's the first to understand his interrogation method and grows confident enough to challenge her parents' coldness, telling her mother she was "cruel and vile" to Eva.
Key Point: Sheila's refusal to put her engagement ring back on shows her newfound independence and moral strength - she won't return to her old life until she's processed what she's learned.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Mr Birling embodies everything Priestley criticises about capitalism and social climbing. He's desperate for a knighthood and constantly name-drops his connections, saying he knows "the Brumley officers pretty well" to try intimidating the Inspector.
His business philosophy is simple but heartless: "lower costs and higher prices." When Eva asked for better wages, he sacked her immediately, justifying this by saying "she had a lot to say" and "had to go." This shows he views workers as disposable rather than human beings.
Priestley uses dramatic irony to make Mr Birling look foolish - he calls the Titanic "unsinkable" and claims there won't be a war. The audience knows he's completely wrong, which undermines his authority and judgement throughout the play.
Key Point: Mr Birling's patronising attitude towards the "famous younger generation" shows he's learned nothing from the Inspector's visit and will continue his selfish ways.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Mrs Birling represents everything wrong with upper-class attitudes towards the poor. She constantly tells her children to stop being "childish" whenever they show genuine emotion or moral growth, preferring to maintain appearances over addressing real issues.
Her treatment of Eva at the charity organisation reveals her true character. Mrs Birling uses her influence to deny Eva help, claiming "I did my duty." She justifies this by saying girls "of that sort" would never refuse money, showing her prejudiced views about working-class women.
Priestley makes Mrs Birling look foolish when she blames "the young man who was the father of the child," not knowing she's talking about her own son Eric. When she discovers the truth, she becomes "agitated" and refuses to believe it, showing she doesn't really know her own family.
Key Point: Mrs Birling proudly claims she was "the only one who didn't give in" to the Inspector, completely missing the point that refusing to learn from mistakes is actually the worst response.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Eric starts the play feeling uncertain about his place in the world, described as "half shy, half assertive." This makes him more open to change than his parents, similar to his sister Sheila. His drinking problem hints at deeper issues with his privileged lifestyle.
Unlike his father, Eric shows genuine concern for working-class struggles, asking "Why shouldn't they try for higher wages?" This demonstrates early socialist sympathies. However, his relationship with his father is clearly strained - Eric says Mr Birling isn't "the kind of father a chap can go to when he's in trouble."
Eric's treatment of Eva reveals his immaturity and the dangers of unchecked privilege. He admits he "wasn't in love with her or anything" but got her pregnant, showing how the wealthy can exploit vulnerable people without considering consequences.
Key Point: By the end, Eric violently blames his parents for Eva's death, shouting "you killed them both - damn you!" His anger shows he genuinely understands the moral lesson, unlike his parents.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Gerald might seem like the perfect gentleman at first, but there's much more beneath the surface. He's described as a "well-bred man about town" - suggesting he's wealthy and presentable, but this also hints at his reputation with women.
Initially, Gerald acts like a yes-man to Mr Birling, agreeing with everything to stay in his good books. However, when the Inspector's investigation threatens to expose his secrets, Gerald becomes desperate to cover up his affair with Eva Smith. He tries to protect Sheila by suggesting she goes to bed, claiming she's tired.
When Gerald finally admits his relationship with Eva, he reveals his selfish attitude: "I didn't feel about her as she felt about me." This shows he led Eva on without having genuine feelings, viewing their relationship only through his own privileged perspective.
Key Point: Gerald's attempt to prove the Inspector was fake shows he's more concerned with avoiding consequences than learning from his mistakes.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology