An Inspector Calls Key Quotations

Front

What does the phrase “the famous younger generation who know it all” suggest about Birling’s attitude?

Back

He is joking but also patronising

Front

Key ideas in the quote: “Now look at the pair of them – the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke”

Back

Generation, know, joke

Front

How is Birling speaking in the quote: “I must say, Sybil, that when this comes out in the inquest, it isn’t going to do us much good”?

Back

Polite, indirect, serious

Front

What tone does Birling use when he says, “If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth”?

Back

Cynical and authoritarian

Front

What does the phrase “asking for the earth” reveal about Birling’s view of the working class?

Back

He thinks their demands are unrealistic

Front

Why are the Birlings shocked in “He’s a notorious womaniser as well as being one of the worst sots and rogues in Brumley”?

Back

Because he’s exposing upper-class hypocrisy

Front

What does Mrs Birling’s phrase “a girl of that sort” reveal?

Back

A classist and dismissive attitude

Front

What is symbolised in the quote “perhaps we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing”?

Back

Hope for socialism and unity

Front

How does Priestley use Mr. Birling’s changing tone throughout the play?

Back

To expose his hypocrisy and capitalist flaws

Front

How is Birling perceived vs how he feels?

Back

Feels: confident / Perceived: hypocritical