INSPECTOR GOOL

Quote	Page No.
“We are members of one body.”	p. 56
“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.”	p. 10
“Each of you helped to kill her.”	p. 54
“If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.”	p. 56

When Inspector Goole says, “We are members of one body” (p. 56), he is reminding the Birlings that society is interconnected and that everyone’s actions affect others. The Inspector believes people should care for one another rather than act selfishly. This quote strongly links to the theme of social responsibility, showing Priestley’s message that individuals must look beyond themselves and consider the welfare of the wider community.

The quote “Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges” (p. 10) is directed at Mr Birling and challenges his capitalist mindset. The Inspector is criticizing powerful people who enjoy status and wealth but avoid responsibility. This moment highlights the theme of power and accountability, showing that those in authority have a moral duty to protect others, not exploit them.

When the Inspector states, “Each of you helped to kill her” (p. 54), he makes it clear that Eva Smith’s death was not caused by one single person but by a series of selfish actions. This quote emphasizes collective guilt and shows how small decisions can build into tragic consequences. Priestley uses this moment to reinforce the theme of shared responsibility, suggesting that society as a whole is to blame for the suffering of the vulnerable.

In his final warning, the Inspector declares, “If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish” (p. 56). This powerful line acts as a prophecy, warning of the consequences of ignoring social responsibility. Written just after World War II, the quote connects to the themes of war, suffering, and moral consequence, suggesting that human cruelty and selfishness inevitably lead to destruction.

MR ARTHUR BIRLING

Quote	Page No.
“A man has to make his own way.”	p. 2
“Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”	p. 7
“The famous younger generation who know it all.”	p. 25
“I was almost certain for a knighthood.”	p. 55

When Mr Birling says, “A man has to make his own way” (p. 2), he is expressing his strong belief in individualism and capitalism. He believes people are responsible only for themselves and should not care about others. Priestley uses this quote to criticize selfish attitudes and connect it to the theme of social responsibility, showing how this mindset contributes to Eva Smith’s suffering.

Mr Birling confidently declares, “Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable” (p. 7) while speaking about the Titanic. The audience knows this statement is historically wrong, which makes Mr Birling appear foolish and unreliable. Priestley uses dramatic irony here to undermine Mr Birling’s authority and link the quote to the theme of ignorance and pride, showing how blind confidence can be dangerous.

When Mr Birling mocks young people by saying, “The famous younger generation who know it all” (p. 25), he is dismissing Sheila and Eric’s growing awareness and guilt. This quote reveals his refusal to change or accept responsibility. Priestley connects this moment to the theme of generational divide, presenting the younger generation as more open to moral growth than their parents.

Near the end of the play, Mr Birling complains, “I was almost certain for a knighthood” (p. 55), showing that he is more concerned about his reputation than Eva Smith’s death. This quote highlights his selfishness and lack of remorse. Priestley uses it to emphasize the theme of class and power, criticizing how the wealthy prioritize status over human life.

MRS SYBIL BIRLING

Quote	Page No.
“Girls of that class—”	p. 30
“I did nothing I’m ashamed of.”	p. 30
“She had the impertinence to call herself Mrs Birling.”	p. 31
“The father of the child should be made an example of.”	p. 42

When Mrs Birling says, “Girls of that class—” (p. 30), she immediately reveals her deep class prejudice. The unfinished sentence suggests contempt and judgment toward working-class women. Priestley uses this moment to expose the rigid class divide in Edwardian society and criticize how the upper class dehumanizes the poor.

Mrs Birling insists, “I did nothing I’m ashamed of” (p. 30), even after learning about Eva Smith’s suffering. This quote shows her lack of empathy and refusal to accept responsibility. Priestley connects this to the theme of denial and moral blindness, highlighting how pride prevents the upper class from acknowledging their wrongdoing.

When she says, “She had the impertinence to call herself Mrs Birling” (p. 31), Mrs Birling is more offended by the misuse of her name than by Eva’s desperation. The word “impertinence” reveals her arrogance and obsession with social status. Priestley uses this quote to emphasize the theme of class and power, showing how reputation matters more to Mrs Birling than human life.

Mrs Birling coldly states, “The father of the child should be made an example of” (p. 42), unaware that she is condemning her own son. This moment is rich in dramatic irony and exposes her hypocrisy. Priestley links this quote to the theme of responsibility, showing how the wealthy are quick to judge others while refusing to accept blame themselves.

SHEILA BIRLING

Quote	Page No.
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.”	p. 19
“I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry.”	p. 22
“He’s giving us the rope – so that we’ll hang ourselves.”	p. 39
“It frightens me the way you talk.”	p. 49

When Sheila says, “But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people” (p. 19), she challenges her father’s capitalist attitude for the first time. She recognizes that workers deserve respect and fair treatment, not exploitation. Priestley uses this quote to link Sheila to the theme of social responsibility, presenting her as a voice of compassion and moral awareness.

Sheila openly admits, “I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry” (p. 22), which shows her willingness to accept responsibility for her actions. Unlike her parents, she does not deny her role in Eva Smith’s suffering. Priestley uses this quote to connect Sheila to the theme of guilt and accountability, showing that acknowledging mistakes is the first step toward change.

When Sheila warns, “He’s giving us the rope – so that we’ll hang ourselves” (p. 39), she demonstrates her growing understanding of the Inspector’s method. She realizes that the Inspector is allowing the family to reveal their own guilt. This quote highlights Sheila’s moral growth and links to the theme of truth and self-realization.

Sheila confronts her parents when she says, “It frightens me the way you talk” (p. 49). This shows how deeply disturbed she is by their lack of remorse and refusal to change. Priestley uses this moment to emphasize the theme of generational divide, presenting the younger generation as more capable of learning and moral progress than the older one.

ERIC BIRLING

Quote	Page No.
“I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty.”	p. 46
“You killed her – and the child she’d have had too.”	p. 54
“The money’s not the important thing.”	p. 53
“I wasn’t in love with her.”	p. 45

When Eric admits, “I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty” (p. 46), he is acknowledging his drunkenness and loss of control. This quote reveals how alcohol contributes to his immoral behavior and poor decisions, particularly his treatment of Eva Smith. Priestley uses this confession to explore the theme of moral weakness, showing how personal irresponsibility can lead to serious harm.

Eric angrily tells his parents, “You killed her – and the child she’d have had too” (p. 54), placing blame directly on their lack of compassion. This moment shows Eric’s moral awakening and his understanding of shared responsibility. Priestley connects this quote to the theme of collective responsibility, emphasizing that Eva’s death was caused by a series of selfish actions rather than one person alone.

When Eric states, “The money’s not the important thing” (p. 53), he shows that he understands true responsibility goes beyond financial help. Although he stole money to support Eva, he realizes that emotional care and moral support matter more. This quote links to the theme of guilt and redemption, highlighting Eric’s growth and recognition of deeper ethical values.

Eric admits, “I wasn’t in love with her” (p. 45), which shows his honesty and lack of romantic illusions about his relationship with Eva. Unlike Gerald, he does not attempt to justify his actions as love. Priestley uses this blunt admission to underline the theme of exploitation, showing how Eva was used and abandoned by men with greater power.

GERALD CROFT

Quote	Page No.
“I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me.”	p. 36
“She was young and pretty and warm-hearted.”	p. 36
“What girl?”	p. 12
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila.”	p. 59

Gerald says, “What girl?” (p. 12) when the Inspector first mentions Eva Smith. This short question shows Gerald’s immediate attempt to distance himself from the situation and avoid responsibility. Priestley uses this moment to highlight the theme of denial, showing how members of the upper class instinctively protect themselves when their actions are challenged.

When Gerald describes Eva as “young and pretty and warm-hearted” (p. 36), he appears sympathetic and affectionate. However, this description also reduces Eva to her appearance and emotional nature. Priestley links this quote to the theme of exploitation, suggesting that Eva’s vulnerability and kindness made her easy to take advantage of in a society shaped by class and power.

Gerald admits, “I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me” (p. 36), openly acknowledging that the relationship was unequal. This confession shows that Gerald was aware Eva cared deeply for him, yet he continued the affair for his own benefit. Priestley uses this quote to explore the theme of power imbalance, emphasizing how wealth and status allow men like Gerald to act without facing immediate consequences.

At the end of the play, Gerald tells Sheila, “Everything’s all right now, Sheila” (p. 59). This line reveals that Gerald believes the problem is resolved simply because the Inspector has left. Priestley connects this quote to the theme of moral complacency, showing that unlike Sheila and Eric, Gerald fails to learn from the experience and is eager to return to his comfortable life.

EVA SMITH / DAISY RENTON

Quote	Page No.
“A lively good-looking girl.”	p. 14
“She was very pretty.”	p. 35
“She’d had to move from place to place.”	p. 24
“She died in misery and agony.”	p. 1

The Inspector describes Eva as “a lively good-looking girl” (p. 14), emphasizing her youth and individuality. This description reminds the audience that Eva was a real person with life and potential, not just a name in a report. Priestley uses this quote to support the theme of human dignity, encouraging the audience to see working-class people as individuals who matter.

When the Inspector states, “She was very pretty” (p. 35), he highlights how Eva’s appearance often influenced how others treated her. While this may seem complimentary, it also suggests she was judged and valued based on her looks rather than her humanity. Priestley links this quote to the theme of objectification, showing how Eva’s vulnerability made her easier to exploit.

The Inspector explains that Eva “had to move from place to place” (p. 24), showing the instability and hardship she faced throughout her life. This movement reflects how society repeatedly failed her, forcing her into worsening conditions. Priestley uses this quote to explore the theme of social injustice, revealing how the working class are trapped in cycles of poverty and insecurity.

Finally, the Inspector’s statement that Eva “died in misery and agony” (p. 1) immediately sets a serious and tragic tone for the play. The blunt language forces the audience to confront the harsh consequences of neglect and cruelty. Priestley connects this quote to the theme of responsibility, making it clear that Eva’s suffering was the result of many people’s actions, not an accident.