An Inspector Calls Key Quotations edexcel 2-Post-1914-Literature

Key Quotations

Remember the assessment objectives explicitly states that you should be able to “use textual references, including quotations”. This means summarising, paraphrasing, referencing single words and referencing plot events are all as valid as quotations in demonstrating that you understand the play. It is important that you remember that you can evidence your knowledge of the text in these two equally valid ways: both through references to it and direct quotations from it. 

Overall, you should aim to secure a strong knowledge of the text, rather than rehearsed quotations, as this will enable you to respond to the question. It is the quality of your knowledge of the text which will enable you to select references effectively.

If you are going to revise quotations, the best way is to group them by character, or theme. Below you will find definitions and analysis of the best quotations, arranged by the following themes:

• Responsibility

• Capitalism versus Socialism

• Generational divide

• Guilt

• Class

• Gender

Responsibility

Responsibility is one of the most prevalent themes within the play and the role of the Inspector is to highlight that all actions have consequences. He demands that the other characters be accountable for their actions and that they take responsibility for others. This message is also intended for the wider audience and for society in general.

 “... a man has to make his own way—has to look after himself—and his family, too, of course, when he has one—and so long as he does that he won’t come to much harm” – Arthur Birling, Act I

Meaning and context

• At the beginning of Act I, Arthur delivers several lengthy monologues and this quote is spoken to Gerald and Eric just before the Inspector arrives

Analysis

• This quote reveals Arthur Birling’s self-centredness and his narrow-minded view of society

• His vocabulary reveals his sense of individualism as he believes that everyone should be responsible for themselves and their family and is devoid of any sympathy for those less fortunate than himself

• “A man has to…” alludes to his patriarchal values, that men should have more power and privilege than women

“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges” – Inspector Goole, Act II

Meaning and context

• This quote is delivered in Act II by the Inspector and is directed to Arthur Birling

• The Inspector argues that members of a society have duties and obligations toward each other’s welfare and have a collective and social responsibility to take care of each other

Analysis

• As Arthur (and Sybil) hold prominent positions within society, the Inspector suggests they have an even greater duty of care toward others

• Birling’s hypocritical views about personal responsibility are unfitting for a character who has held prominent public positions

• While the Inspector alludes to ideas of “responsibility”, Arthur also repeatedly uses this word though he interprets responsibility in a very different way

 “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other… if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish” – Inspector Goole, Act III

Meaning and context

• This quote is from Inspector’s final speech in Act III to the Birlings before he exits the stage

Analysis

• This is the Inspector’s most significant and weighty statement in the play and Priestley warns of the dire consequences of evading social responsibility

• The language here is carefully composed and moralistic in tone 

• The use of violent imagery and metaphor is powerful and suggests impending conflict

• Priestley warns the audience (and society) of the consequences of evading social responsibility

Capitalism versus Socialism

An Inspector Calls is a play that deals with ideas of fairness and inequality. Priestley used the play to argue that the economic system of Capitalism prevented equality and social justice and that another system, Socialism, which aims to share out wealth, would be fairer for all.

“Working together, for lower costs and higher prices” – Arthur Birling, Act I

Meaning and context

• This quote is from Act I and is directed toward Gerald Croft

• Arthur Birling is discussing his delight that one day Gerald’s family business will no longer be seen as rivals and that they may eventually join forces

Analysis

• Arthur’s priorities are those of business and he believes he needs to make as much profit as possible, regardless of the consequences

• He has no sense of responsibility or concern that his workers may need higher wages to live

• He believes his wages are fair and treats the pay strike at his factory with contempt for it threatens his profits

“but these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people” – Sheila Birling, Act I

Meaning and context

• This quote is from Act I and Sheila directs this quote to her father when he is discussing the workers in his factory

• Working-class women would have been one of the cheapest forms of labour available to factory owners

Analysis

• Although Sheila appears somewhat self-interested at the beginning of Act I, there are early indications (as evident in this quote) that she is a caring character

• This quote reveals her sensitive nature and her compassion and empathy for others less fortunate than herself

• The use of the word ‘but’ shows how she has interrupted and challenged her father’s views here and as the play progresses, her dialogue increasingly demonstrates an assertiveness towards her parents

Generational divide

Priestley explores the idea of generational change in An Inspector Calls: younger characters are more open to social and economic change, and as a result are in conflict with their parent’s generation, who are stuck in their ways.

“Everything’s all right now, Sheila” – Gerald Croft, Act III

Meaning and context

• This quote is from the end of Act III and Gerald directs this line to Sheila in the hope that she will take back his engagement ring

Analysis

• Offering the ring again to Shei