An Inspector Calls Character Key Quotes linked to terminology and event Inspector Goole “After all it’s better to ask for the earth than to take it” Act 1 – metaphor – warning Mr Birling about his selfish attitude. “A young woman drank some disinfectant and died, after several hours of agony…She lies with a burnt out inside on a slab.” Act 1 and 2. Graphic imagery repeated through the play to message home. “And you think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things?” Act 2. To Gerald. Ironic comment about Sheila needing to hear / Eva not being protected at all. “We have to share something. If there’s nothing else, we’ll have to share our guilt” Act 2. Powerful rhetoric. Advice to Sheila. “Your daughter isn’t living on the moon. She’s here in Brumley too.” Act 2. Metaphor. Dismissive tone towards Mr Birling’s protests. “She needed not only money but advice, sympathy, friendliness…and you slammed the door in her face.” Act 2. Listing. Condemning of Mrs Birling’s callous manner towards Eva. my trouble is I haven’t much time. You’ll be able to divide up the responsibility between you when I’ve gone.” Act 3. Inspector losing patience with family bickering. are millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us…We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for one another.” Act 3. Rule of 3 – Reminding the whole family of the need for community. “The time will come when if men will not learn that lesson, they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.” Act 3. Religious metaphor linking to hell as a punishment for those who do not care for their fellow man. Arthur (Mr) Birling “I’m talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business.” –Act 1. Alliteration. Thinks practically, coldly, without emotion.
Symbolism – describing the ghost like he is the grim reaper “Ghost of the Future. I fear you more than any spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, I am prepared to bear you company with a thankful heart.” Epiphany – Scrooge recognises that he to listen to the ghost and this is the first time that has happened. “I don’t mind going (to the funeral) if a lunch is provided.” Emotive Language – showing that the businessmen don’t care that Scrooge is dead they are only after a free lunch. “Old Scratch has got his own at last hey?” Rhetorical Question – showing his nickname isn’t particularly well respected. “So I am told.. Cold isn’t it?” Rhetorical question – others speaking Scrooge with no feeling. “He frightened everyone away from him when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead, ha, ha!” Mocking tone – showing that nobody cares about his death. “If there is any person in the town who feels emotion caused by this man’s death, show that person to me, Spirit, I beseech you!” Desperate tone – Scrooge is begging the ghost to show someone will miss him. “It would be bad fortune to find so merciless a creditor. We may sleep tonight with light hearts, Caroline!” Relieved tone – creditors of Scrooge are relieved they are not in debt to him any more as no one be worse. “I am sure none we shall none of us forget Tiny Tim” Repetition – grief at the death of Tiny Tim. churchyard, overrun by weeds, the growth of vegetation’s death not life –a worthy place!” Triplets – showing nobody ever visited Scrooge’s grave or cared. “Scrooge crept towards it, trembling, and following the finger, read upon the stone of the neglected grave his own name, Ebenezer Scrooge.” Complex sentence – reveals his emotion at seeing how little anyone cares for him or remembers him.