Summary
Highlights
This section introduces the purpose of the video: to provide the top 10 quotes from 'An Inspector Calls' that are useful for any GCSE English Literature exam essay. It highlights that success in the exam is about strategic quote selection and deep analysis of Priestley's message, themes, and context, rather than just recounting the plot.
The first quote, 'Nothing to be sorry for, nothing to learn,' comes from Sheila at the end of the play. It emphasizes her moral awakening and embrace of social responsibility. This quote demonstrates the theme of age, contrasting Sheila's change with her parents' stubborn refusal to learn, and highlights her desire to change actions towards poorer members of society.
The second quote, 'You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, I can't,' is spoken by Eric. It showcases his moral awakening and remorse, sharply contrasting with his parents. This quote effectively demonstrates the themes of age and class, indicating Eric's growing responsibility towards societal issues and the fairer treatment of working-class individuals.
The third quote, 'girls of that class,' is from Mrs. Birling, referring to Daisy Renton. It reveals Mrs. Birling as a symbol of upper-class hypocrisy, highlighting how wealthy women prioritized class loyalty over gender solidarity, viewing working-class women as immoral. This quote is essential for discussing themes of gender, class, and social context.
The fourth quote, 'I can't accept any responsibility,' is Mr. Birling's stance, directly tying into the theme of social responsibility. Mr. Birling represents the greed and irresponsibility of Edwardian industrialists, whose actions exacerbated class divisions and contributed to societal instability, leading to historical events like the World Wars, according to Priestley.
The fifth quote, 'We're respectable citizens, not criminals,' comes from Gerald. Though part of the younger generation, Gerald adopts the attitudes of the older Birlings, resisting change to protect his aristocratic privileges. His dismissal of the Inspector's implications reveals his class prejudice and static worldview, unlike Sheila and Eric.
The sixth quote, 'these girls aren't cheap labor,' is spoken by Sheila early in the play. This demonstrates her immediate moral awakening and growing criticism of class divisions, exploitation of the poor, and capitalism. It foreshadows her adoption of socialist viewpoints and Priestley's broader message against social injustice.
The seventh quote, 'I didn't… remember… that's the hellish thing,' is Eric's confession about his assault on Daisy Renton. It powerfully demonstrates themes of gender and class, showcasing Eric's exploitation of his male privilege and the abuse of power by the upper classes over working-class women. It highlights the selfishness prevalent in higher social strata.
The eighth quote, 'What girl… different girls, right?', is Gerald's rhetorical question, revealing his stubborn refusal to accept responsibility. He dismisses the Inspector's message, aligning with Mr. and Mrs. Birling in celebrating the Inspector's potential non-existence. This quote emphasizes Gerald's rejection of social responsibility and his desire to maintain power over women.
The ninth quote, 'A young woman died,' is from Inspector Goole. It highlights his role in giving a voice to powerless working-class women like Eva Smith, who never appears directly. Priestley deliberately chose female victims to underscore the disproportionate power men held over women and to convey a feminist message advocating for equality between genders.
The tenth quote, 'fire and blood and anguish,' is the Inspector's powerful parting message. This terrifying imagery warns that unless the upper classes embrace social responsibility, society will face continued wars and instability. It encapsulates Priestley's call for social change and a shift away from capitalist selfishness.