Themes:

The main themes are responsibility and the younger generations. For both themes, you can revise the same quotes.
Inspector Goole:
• Teacher, potential subconscious, catalyst, mouthpiece for Priestley, metaphorical representation of socialism.
• ‘we have to share something…our guilt’ – powerful language, inclusive pronoun ‘we’ is key as it includes everyone. Reinforced
by ‘our’. Demonstrating how sharing responsibility brings communities together and comforts people. The longing to ‘share’
and reference to ‘guilt’ may be an allusion to the two World Wars, suggesting social responsibility will help the country recover.
Through this, Priestley presents the Inspector as compassionate and understanding, encouraging his audience to side with him.
• ‘We are members of one body’ – inclusive pronoun again, reminding everyone of the need for community. Biblical allusion to
the body of Christ. The Inspector’s closing speech is the direct opposite of Mr Birling’s opening lecture. While Mr Birling
supported the Capitalist ideal of self-preservation, the Inspector says, ‘We are responsible for each other.’ Also, ‘We are
members of one body,’ shows everyone is connected on a deep level, where society is the result of everyone’s combined
actions.
• Before he leaves, the Inspector’s final words create a lasting image of grief and pain. ‘If men will not learn…they will be taught
in fire and blood and anguish’ – we will be taught a lesson. The triple is heavily metaphorical with links to hell, war and
revolution. This is an allusion to the World Wars that Priestley had just fought in and lived through. He suggests that war is a
consequence of the neglect of others. This prediction if prophetic, almost Biblical in its imagery, lending the statement more
weight. The ‘fire, blood and anguish’ of warfare is a large scale parallel to the ‘fire, blood and anguish’ experienced by Eva smith
as her insides were ‘burnt,’ and of the ‘fire, blood and anguish’ experienced by everyone who suffers at the hands of
selfishness.
• ‘You’ll be able to divide up responsibility between you’ – towards the end he loses patience with the family and repeats the
word ‘responsibility’ which is used throughout. The Inspector’s declaration contradicts this culture of scapegoating – their
prejudices lead them (the Birlings – particularly the parents) to believe Eva Smith was to blame for her suicide – she was foolish
and self-destructive. Just because they did not personally make Eva Smith drink disinfectant, it does not mean they are innocent
on her death. Priestley wants the authorities to confront their own culpability in the poverty and suffering of the lower classes.
Themes:
Mr Birling:
• Patriarch of the family – symbol of the older generation’s power and influence. He made his own way (nouveau riche) instead of
inheriting it like Mrs Birling, ‘her husband’s social superior,’ and Gerald and is very satisfied with his accomplishments. He is resistant to
criticism and gets angry with anyone who challenges his opinions or authority.
• Metaphorical representation of capitalism, oblivious to the consequences of his actions and values wealth. Believes his life experiences
make him wise and infallible – thinks poorly of the younger generation – they are foolish and naïve.
• Hubris leads to him making bold claims – ‘Some people say that war’s inevitable. And to that I say – fiddlesticks!’ – predictions with
absolute certainty, shows how older generation were taught their opinions were valuable. Dramatic irony – older generation deluded.
• Tells Eric and Gerald – ‘I don’t want to lecture you two young fellows again.’ – infantalising and belittling. Verb ‘lecture’ presents Mr
Birling as an educational figure. The use of ‘young people’ and ‘youngsters’ shows how Mr Birling is fixated on age and superiority. The
nouns are patronising and mocking. He wants to have an impact on the younger generation.
• He tells the Inspector, ‘It is my duty to keep labour costs down’ – capitalist view that highlights the disparity between classes. Birling is
able to manipulate. Irony in the word ‘duty’. Implying his business pursuits require him to exploit his workers. He feels ‘duty’ to be his
business but not his society. Priestley shows neglect and inhumanity are part of business.
• Priestley shows how Mr Birling prioritises himself over his duty to others. His motto about family loyalty is repeated several times, as he
tells Eric and Gerald, ‘A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself’ – portrayed as self-centred which is a direct contrast
to the Inspector’s inclusive pronouns of ‘we’ and ‘our’. The repetition of ‘A man has to’ reveals Mr Birling believes men are born with an
obligation to themselves alone. The delay before ‘and his family too’ even suggests his family comes as an afterthought.
• Mr Birling’s continued rejection of responsibility seems to be a result of arrogance and disrespect for others. Accepting blame would be
a sign of weakness and imperfection. As Eva’s story is revealed, Mr Birling insists he’s innocent, saying, . ‘I can’t accept any
responsibility’ – denial of ever having done anything wrong. He does not want to be accused of making a mistake in his judgement, and
does not want to be burdened. The modal verb ‘can’t’ suggests accepting blame goes against his nature.
• ‘If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody…it would be very awkward’ – abandons any social responsibility.
• ‘If you don’t come down hard on these people they’d soon be asking for the earth’ – metaphor highlights how Birling comes down hard
on his workers, so they don’t take advantage. Irony – Eva only asked for a small pay rise and Birling exaggerates. He also later says he
would give her ‘thousands’ (after the event)! Wealth and status.
Themes:
• When faced with the consequences of his actions, Mr Birling refuses to accept any blame. He declares, ‘It has nothing whatever to do
with this wretched girl’s suicide’ – he is heartless and totally unaware of the consequences of his actions. He believes his actions must
be irrelevant because he fired her ‘two years ago.’ He thinks the two events cannot be linked because they happened so far apart.
Priestley implies this interpretation of responsibility is simplistic and self-serving, allowing people to excuse themselves of blame.
‘Wretched girl’ reveals his lack of compassion and patience, suggesting he will not take responsibility because he does not sympathise
with Eva Smith.
• Describes the situation as a ‘joke’ and mocks the younger generation - it is no ‘joke’ and ultimately the joke is on him. He is foolish
(eternally damned).
Mrs Birling:
• Mrs Birling used to present capitalism as an invention of the older generations. Use of character to explore older generations’ denial
and resistant to change. She is conservative, traditional and unrepentant about her prejudices. Older generation stubborn and stuck in
their ways. Priestley implies that as time went on, their denial and stubbornness got more and more outdated.
• She objects to her husband’s comments about the cook, saying ‘Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things.’ Anxious about seeming
respectable. Older generations prioritise social conduct over genuine interaction. She is anxious about seeming respectable.
Priestleyimplies that the older generations prioritized social conduct over genuine interaction, encouraging repression and secrecy.
• She also reacts to Sheila using the slang term, ‘squiffy’ with, ‘Really the things you girls pick up these days!’ This suggests that she, like
her husband, disapproves of modern culture. She thinks it is rude and unladylike, threatening the tradition of femininity. Priestley
suggests the older generations did not trust the younger generations to act in an appropriate manner. The lives of the older generation
were dictated by arbitrary (domineering) rules and a desire to appear sophisticated, rather than live freely. These values isolated and
deterred (put off) others.
• Priestley reveals Mrs Birling’s prejudices, especially classicism, in her reaction to Eva Smith coming to the charity for help. ‘Girls of that
class’ – dehumanises individuals and generalises. She proves what is written about her in the stage directions – ‘rather cold woman’ –
cold represents how she is emotionally cold. She is consumed by her prejudices – she refuses to trust and respect Eva Smith when the
evidence is right in front of her. Priestley suggests the older generations were so blinded by their intolerance that they could not see
• ‘As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money’ – prejudiced against her class and gender. Exclamation shows disbelief showing
how she is consumed by her prejudices. Refuses to trust/respect Eva Smith. Older generation blinded by their intolerance – seen
as ruthless.
• Throughout the play, Mrs Birling does not listen to the opinions of othrs which reinforces the idea that the older generations are
deliberately ignorant and obstinate (stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion). ‘We can’t understand why the girl committed
suicide’ – no sympathy and makes no attempt to understand. Complete detachment from social responsibility. This shows how she
refuses to listen to the younger generation. The verb ‘can’t suggests the older generation were incapable of entertaining the
suggestion of others. She thinks Eva’s lower social status is a justifiable reason to abandon her. The word ‘understand’ shows she
believes there is an intrinsic (natural) barrier between social classes, and that she is entitled to act unfairly towards the lower
classes. Priestley suggests the upper classes, particularly the older generation, are governed by bigotry (prejudice/bias) and
unrepentant in their actions.
• Mrs Birling’s uncaring attitude is juxtaposed with Sheila’s empathy, with Priestley welcoming direct comparisons between the two
women – contrasting feelings. When Mrs Birling says she blames ‘the girl herself’ for her death, Sheila ‘bitterly’ retorts, ‘For letting
father and me have her chucked out of her jobs!’ Priestley demonstrates how the older generation are content to blame the poor
for their own problems, whilst the younger generation understand that the lower classes are subjected to events beyond their
control.
• ‘Unlike the other three, I did nothing I am ashamed of’ – subordinate clause implies she is blaming the others but absolving herself.
Audience are disgusted when they find our what she has done.
• Priestley shows how the conventional ideas of duty and responsibility in the upper classes are corrupt. Mrs Birling is willing to
condemn the anonymous father of Eva’s unborn child, saying, ‘Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility’ – she
unknowingly blames Eric. Girls like Eva were at the mercy of women like Mrs Birling. Priestley’s message is that the welfare state
would have looked after her. She claims to have a firm moral code, valuing responsibility and just consequences of wrongdoings.
Priestley suggests the upper classes’ idea of duty is superficial and hypocritical (as she regrets what she has said instantly when she
finds out Eric is responsible, retracting her previous demands).
• ‘It wasn’t I who had her turned her out of employment – which probably began it all’ – blames Mr Birling. Stage directions say she
Themes:
Sheila Birling:
• Eric and Sheila represent the changing face of British society – roughly same age as Priestley would have been in 1912 – he relates to them
the most.
• At the beginning they are a mouthpiece to their parents’ beliefs, quickly break free and think independently.Younger generation linked with
Socialist ideologies. Emapthetic and compasstionate
• Like Eric, Sheila questions her father’s actions. She thinks her father’s decision to sack Eva was a ‘mean thing to do.’ Though these phrases
sound childish, they portray Sheila as sympathetic and well-meaning. She also points out that: ‘But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re
people’ – reminds her parents and audience that lower classes should still be treated like human beings. Punctuation provides emphasis.
Represents younger generation Priestley saw as impressionable. Explicitly goes against capitalist ideas as workers being purely ‘labour.’
More reflective of left wing policies due to the phrase, ‘they’re people.’
• ‘You talk as if we are responsible’ – at the beginning she is naive to the consequences of her behaviour but soon changes. ‘It was my own
fault’ – recognises blame instantly.
• The stage directions describe her as ‘distressed’ (adjective) and this is used for Sheila and Eric to show the impact on them and the manner
in which they begin to change.
• ‘(miserably) So I’m really responsible?’ – although this is worded as a question, it is actually an acceptance.
• Because she recognises her whole family’s involvement in Eva’s death, Sheila shows how guilt and blame are important tools in society.
She predicts, ‘Between us we killed her’ – like the Inspector she begins to use inclusive pronouns. This is a direct confession of guilt. She
sees that blame can be split between them. This statement’s honesty and bluntness is a refreshing change from her parents’ deceit and
ambiguity. Priestley uses her shrewdness (good judgment) to expose the ridiculousness of the older generations’ facades. Through these
exchanges, Priestley encourages his audience to view their elders with cynicism and realise they are performing rather than being genuine
• She promises, ‘I’ll never, never do it again’ – apologetic, repetition, learns her lesson. Unlike her parents, she pledges to change her ways
of her own accord. Sheila’s readiness to learn from the Inspector, and her transformation because of it, shows that though accepting
blame is difficult, it can and must be done.
• She realises her parents haven’t changed, but she changes her attitude towards her parents.
• She doesn’t just stop at criticising the older generation, she also tries to show others her age that they are wrong too. She tells Gerald, ‘I
expect you’ve done things you’re ashamed of too,’ meaning she no longer views him as perfect and virtuous. She gives Gerald the ring
back and this shows she is prepared to be an independent woman who prefers honesty. She is no longer influenced by her parents or
Themes:
• Priestley perhaps uses Sheila to suggest that the younger generations are more realistic and thus, able to avoid future
mistakes. Indeed, she identifies the mistakes she and those before her made and tries to stop the cycle. Priestley suggests the
younger generations are able to identify the injustices committed by their elders and rectify them because they are more
kind-hearted and compassionate. He also shows how they can introduce and uphold a new political ideology within a post-
war society.

Eric Birling:
• Both Eric and Sheila represent the changing face of British society. They are roughly the same age as Priestley would have
been in 1912, so he probably relates to these characters the most.
• Though at the beginning they are mouthpieces to their parents’ capitalist beliefs, they quickly break free and think
independently. They accept responsibility for their actions and try to encourage others to do the same. Their characters are
largely linked with Socialist ideologies. Priestley shows how the younger generation are capable of starting a revolution.
• The children are presented as empathetic and compassionate which shows the audience how the younger generation are
more capable of taking care of others (and enacting socialist policies).
• The character of Eric is used by Priestley to show how the younger generations suffer under the pressure placed on them by
their elders.
• Earlier in the play he uses a simile comparing Eva to an ‘animal’. This links to the way his mother dehumanises her too.
• ‘Then – you killed her. She came to you to protect me – and you turned her away’ – blames Mrs Birling. The pauses are
used for dramatic effect, and the repetition of the pronoun ‘you’ is accusatory.
• ‘My child – your grandchild – you killed them both’ – emotive and accuses her of a disregard for human life.
• ‘The fact remains that I did what I did’ – similarly to Sheila, he accepts his guilt. Repetition of ‘I did’.
• ‘We did her in all right’ – a brutal acknowledgement of how they ruined her.
• ‘I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty’ – ‘easily’ would imply that it happens to most men.
Themes:
• ‘You’re beginning to pretend now that nothing’s really happened at all…the girl’s still dead, isn’t she?’ – knows it is because of
their actions and is ashamed of his parents. Blames Mrs Birling in particular. He is consumed with bitterness towards his
parents and feels they don’t want to face the truth.
• As well as being more generous than his father, Eric is willing to challenge the decisions his father makes. These exchanges
show the audience that the younger generation have the ability to go against tradition and therefore change the future. Eric
asks, ‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?’ Showing how he recognises that the capitalist system is selfish and
exploitative. Shows audience how younger generation have the ability to go against tradition. He sees the workers do not
benefit from the company’s high profits, implying Mr Birling is unjustified in denying their request.

Gerald Croft:
• ‘I’m rather more upset by this business than I probably appear to be’ – Gerald’s initial response is one of upset for the girl
who he did once feel something for. That being said, we believe she felt more for him than he did her as he soon tired of
her.
• When he believes the Inspector is fake, he says ‘that makes all the difference’ - this shows that like Mr and Mrs Birling, he
has not learnt from his mistakes and therefore the Inspector’s message is ultimately lost on him. As Eric points out – ‘the
girl’s still dead’.
Gender - Gerald / Eric
• A Marxist perspective is seemingly used throughout Priestley’s construction of both Gerald croft and Eric Birling – according
to Das Kapital – Karl Marx argued that the upper classes would find their morality decaying under prosperity and great
wealth. This ‘decay’ subsequently results in the exploitation of the lower and working classes, namely Eva Smith/Daisy
Renton. When capitalism is coupled with misogyny during Edwardian England, then women found themselves experiencing
financial, emotional, sexual and physical corruption.
• Masculinity is abused throughout this morality play and Gerald aligns himself with Eric in their behaviours and attitudes; they
both dehumanise and objectify Eva/ Daisy.