The 10 Most Important Quotes in 'An Inspector Calls'

Dr Aidan2 minutes read

Dr. Aden Elliott discusses key quotes from "An Inspector Calls" by JB Priestley, focusing on Mr. Birling's attitudes towards societal responsibilities, showcasing the exploitation of the working class by the upper class. The characters' different reactions to the Inspector's message highlight themes of accountability and interconnectedness in society.

Insights

  • Mr. Birling's callous attitude towards societal responsibilities and his inaccurate predictions serve as a central theme in the play, highlighting the dangers of arrogance and ignorance in the face of social issues.
  • The Inspector's role as a moral compass, urging characters to recognize their interconnectedness and take accountability for their actions, reveals the contrast between genuine remorse shown by Sheila and Eric and the dismissive attitudes of other characters, emphasizing the play's critique of class-based exploitation and moral hypocrisy.

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Recent questions

  • How does Mr. Birling's attitude towards societal obligations impact the play?

    Mr. Birling's dismissive attitude towards societal obligations plays a significant role in shaping the narrative of "An Inspector Calls." Through his incorrect predictions and lack of empathy towards the working class, Mr. Birling embodies the callousness of the upper class towards those less fortunate. His refusal to take responsibility for his actions sets the tone for the other characters' reactions to the Inspector's investigation, highlighting the theme of social responsibility and accountability.

  • What role does Sheila play in the downfall of the worker in "An Inspector Calls"?

    Sheila, Mr. Birling's daughter, initially excuses her role in the worker's downfall based on appearance, showcasing her initial lack of awareness of her own privilege. However, as the play progresses, Sheila begins to recognize her complicity in the mistreatment of the working class and takes responsibility for her actions. Her character arc serves as a commentary on the importance of self-reflection and growth in understanding societal injustices.

  • How does Gerald's behavior in "An Inspector Calls" reflect the exploitation of the working class?

    Gerald's hypocritical behavior in "An Inspector Calls" highlights the exploitation of the working class by the upper class. Despite initially appearing to help Eva, he later uses her as a mistress, demonstrating the superficiality of his actions and his disregard for the well-being of others. Gerald's actions underscore the power dynamics at play in society and the ways in which the upper class takes advantage of those in lower social positions.

  • What does Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva reveal about her character in "An Inspector Calls"?

    Mrs. Birling's overt prejudice and refusal to help Eva due to perceived impertinence reveal her lack of empathy and compassion towards those in need. Her immediate judgment of Eva based on social status and appearance showcases her elitist mindset and highlights the hypocrisy of the upper class. Mrs. Birling's actions serve as a stark contrast to the Inspector's message of social responsibility and accountability, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in a stratified society.

  • How does the Inspector's final speech in "An Inspector Calls" impact the characters' responses?

    The Inspector's final speech in "An Inspector Calls" emphasizes the interconnectedness of society and urges the characters to take responsibility for their actions. While Sheila and Eric demonstrate genuine remorse and accountability for their roles in Eva's tragedy, others like Mr. Birling and Mrs. Birling make excuses and dismiss the Inspector's message. The Inspector's speech serves as a moral lesson for the characters, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the importance of recognizing one's impact on others in a complex social structure.

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Summary

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"An Inspector Calls" reveals societal hypocrisy and accountability.

  • Dr. Aden Elliott introduces JB Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" and uses ten quotations to analyze the play, focusing on Mr. Birling's incorrect predictions and dismissive attitude towards societal obligations.
  • Mr. Birling's views on workers are highlighted, showing his lack of empathy even after a worker's suicide, while Sheila, his daughter, initially excuses her role in the worker's downfall based on appearance.
  • Gerald, Sheila's fiancé, reveals his hypocritical behavior by saving Eva from harassment but later using her as a mistress, showcasing the upper class's exploitation of the working class.
  • Mrs. Birling's overt prejudice is evident when she refuses to help Eva due to perceived impertinence, blaming the father of Eva's child without realizing it's her own son, Eric.
  • The Inspector's final speech emphasizes the interconnectedness of society, urging the characters to take responsibility for their actions, with only Sheila and Eric truly feeling accountable, while others make excuses and dismiss the Inspector's message.
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