Mastering An Inspector Calls: Key Quotes Revision
Mastering An Inspector Calls: Key Quotes
Items in this lesson
Mastering An Inspector Calls: Key Quotes
What do you already know about key quotes in An Inspector Calls?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to analyse key quotes, link them to characters and themes, and apply them in exam-style responses for AQA Literature Paper 2.
Why Quotes Matter
Using well-selected quotes helps you prove your points and impress examiners. Accurate recall and confident analysis are essential.
Exam Requirements
Paper 2 requires close analysis of language, form, and structure. Being able to recall and explain key quotes puts you in a strong position.
Quick Recap: The Plot
A mysterious Inspector interrupts the Birling family's celebration and exposes their links to Eva Smith's tragic fate.
Meet the Birlings
Arthur, Sybil, Sheila, and Eric Birling are key to the plot. Consider their attitudes and how each responds to the Inspector.
Key Character: Arthur Birling
Significance
Shows Birling's arrogance and dramatic irony. Priestley uses him to criticise overconfidence in authority.
Key Quote
'The Titanic...unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.'
Arthur Birling: Responsibility
'A man has to mind his own business.' Selfishness and Capitalist views are exposed through Birling's words.
Sybil Birling: Social Status
'Girls of that class—'
Reveals her prejudice and lack of empathy. Reinforces class divides that Priestley critiques.
Significance
Key Quote
Sybil Birling: Denial
'I did nothing I'm ashamed of.' Shows refusal to change. She stands for the older generation's stubbornness.
Sheila Birling: Changing Attitudes
Key Quote
Significance
Sheila represents change and social responsibility. She learns and grows through the play.
'But these girls aren't cheap labour – they're people.'
Sheila: Accepting Responsibility
'I know I'm to blame – and I'm desperately sorry.' Sheila shows guilt and learning, contrasting older attitudes.
Eric Birling: Confession
'You're not the kind of father a chap could go to.'
Eric feels isolated and unsupported. Priestley paints a tense family picture.
Key Quote
Significance
Eric: Taking Responsibility
'The fact remains that I did what I did.' Acceptance and honesty make Eric a dynamic character.
Inspector Goole: Moral Message
'We are members of one body.'
The Inspector serves Priestley’s socialist message. This quote summarises the play’s moral core.
Significance
Key Quote
Inspector: Warning
'If men will not learn that lesson, they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.' A powerful warning about ignoring responsibility.
Theme: Responsibility
Shows clash between collective and individual responsibility.
Key Quotes
'We don’t live alone.' 'I accept no blame at all.'
Significance
Theme: Class
'As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!' The play explores class divides and prejudice.
Theme: Gender
Women’s roles and expectations are challenged. Look for language that highlights gender inequality.
Applying Quotes in Exams
Revision Tips
Group quotes by character and theme. Use flashcards, practise writing paragraphs and link quotes to context.
Reflection: Rate Your Confidence
How confident do you feel about using key quotes in your responses? What will you do next to improve?
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
