An Inspector Calls Quotes Analysis

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“Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable”
Mr (Arthur) Birling.
Shows his certainty and arrogance. Can also be used as an allegory for the Birling family, intimidating but doomed. Also creates a caricature of the Edwardian upper class man.
1 of 11
“I’m talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business… there isn’t a chance of war”
Mr (Arthur) Birling.
Shows his ignorance and blind belief in ‘the system’. Adds to his caricature of stupidity. Makes reference to ‘business’ which is seemingly all he ever talks about, much to the annoyance of those around him.
2 of 11
“we’ll try to keep out of trouble during the next few months“
Mr (Arthur) Birling.
Use of foreshadowing and slight dramatic irony, as although the audience does not know what is going to happen, they can make a pretty good guess. This also provides a small amount of comedic relief for the audience.
3 of 11
“a man has to make his own way – has to look after himself“
Mr (Arthur) Birling.
Shows the capitalist ideals of Mr Birling, and Edwardian society. Strongly contrasts with the Inspector’s final speech.
4 of 11
“I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can”
Mr (Arthur) Birling.
Shows his complete selfishness and lack of empathy, all he cares about is keeping himself out of trouble.
5 of 11
“When you’re married you’ll realize that men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business”
Mrs (Sybil) Birling.
Links to the key theme of gender. She says this to Sheila in reference to Gerald not going near her (Sheila) all last summer. We later find out that Gerald was cheating on Sheila with Eva Smith that summer and not doing business. It s
6 of 11
“You know of course that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate”
Mrs (Sybil) Birling.
This shows the arrogance and egocentric views of the world that the middle-upper classes have. By trying to threaten/bribe the Inspector Mrs Birling shows how controlling and arrogant she is.
7 of 11
“Girls of that class”
Mrs (Sybil) Birling.
Shows her disparaging views of the working class and especially women of that class. “That” creates a very accusatory tone.
8 of 11
“He could have kept her on instead of throwing her out”
Eric Birling.
9 of 11
“For God’s sake – don’t say anything to the inspector”
Gerald Croft.
10 of 11
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila. What about this ring?”
Gerald.
A condescending
11 of 11

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Mr (Arthur) Birling.
Shows his ignorance and blind belief in ‘the system’. Adds to his caricature of stupidity. Makes reference to ‘business’ which is seemingly all he ever talks about, much to the annoyance of those around him.

Back

“I’m talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business… there isn’t a chance of war”

Card 3

Front

Mr (Arthur) Birling.
Use of foreshadowing and slight dramatic irony, as although the audience does not know what is going to happen, they can make a pretty good guess. This also provides a small amount of comedic relief for the audience.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Mr (Arthur) Birling.
Shows the capitalist ideals of Mr Birling, and Edwardian society. Strongly contrasts with the Inspector’s final speech.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Mr (Arthur) Birling.
Shows his complete selfishness and lack of empathy, all he cares about is keeping himself out of trouble.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

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