These 10 QUOTES for Grade 9 Inspector Calls Essays

Summary

This video script provides a detailed analysis of key quotations from J.B. Priestley's play *An Inspector Calls*. The focus is on the Inspector's powerful message about social responsibility, the exploitation of the working class, and the dangers of capitalism. Key themes include Christian and socialist imagery, the impact of World War I, and the moral consequences of actions. The script explores how these themes are conveyed through the characters' interactions with Eva Smith, with a particular emphasis on the play's feminist and anti-war context. The message encourages reflection on social justice, moral choices, and the role of individuals in shaping society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Inspector's key quotation about 'the millions of John Smiths and Eva Smiths' represents the working class and their exploitation by the upper and business classes, signaling a strong socialist political message.
• 😀 Priestly uses Christian and biblical imagery in the Inspector's speech to emphasize a moral responsibility to care for others, connecting it to socialism and promoting social justice.
• 😀 The Inspector's warning about 'Fire and Blood and anguish' directly connects the suffering of war to the exploitation of the working class by capitalism, with a warning about the consequences of not learning the socialist lesson.
• 😀 The violence in Eva's death is used to shock the characters, especially Sheila, and highlight the severity of their actions in exploiting her, symbolizing the harshness of capitalist society.
• 😀 The phrase 'better to ask for the Earth than to take it' critiques the capitalist greed that strips the Earth and sacrifices its people for profit, a radical message for the time.
• 😀 The Inspector's line, 'sometimes there isn't as much difference as you think,' challenges the idea of moral superiority in the ruling class and suggests that their actions are often criminal, both literally and morally.
• 😀 The feminist aspect of the play is shown through the victimization of Eva, with the women in the audience being urged to use their newfound power, including voting rights, to change the future for women.
• 😀 The Inspector's blunt and brutal delivery is meant to break through class prejudice and make the characters face the consequences of their actions, particularly in regard to their exploitation of Eva.
• 😀 The supernatural element of the Inspector's character suggests that he is a force sent to correct the moral failings of the Burling family, paralleling characters like the ghosts in 'A Christmas Carol.'
• 😀 Priestly links the Inspector's final warning about 'remember' to the failure of society to learn from its mistakes, particularly in regard to the two World Wars, urging the audience to embrace socialist values to avoid future suffering.

Q & A

Why is the quotation about 'the millions of John Smiths and Eva Smiths' so significant in the play?

This quotation is significant because it symbolizes the working class and the exploited people in society, represented by Eva Smith. It signals the political message of the play that emphasizes social responsibility and highlights the class divide between the working class and the wealthy, such as the Burlings and Crofts.

What is the importance of the biblical and Christian imagery in the Inspector's speech?

The use of biblical and Christian imagery, such as 'we are all of one body,' serves to connect socialism with Christian morality. J.B. Priestley uses this imagery to appeal to his largely Christian audience, suggesting that if one follows Christian values, they must also embrace socialism, promoting the idea of collective responsibility.

How does the Inspector link war to capitalism in the play?

The Inspector argues that war, particularly the two World Wars, is a consequence of capitalism. He suggests that the political classes are willing to sacrifice their own children for profit, which ultimately leads to the suffering and devastation of war. This criticism of capitalist values highlights the moral and social failings of the wealthy classes.

What is the significance of the Inspector’s warning about 'Fire and Blood and anguish'?

The phrase 'Fire and Blood and anguish' refers to the devastating consequences of not learning from the mistakes of the past, specifically the two World Wars. It underscores the harsh, unavoidable reality that, if society fails to embrace social responsibility, it will face catastrophic consequences, just as it did during the wars.

Why does the Inspector use violent imagery when describing Eva Smith's death?

The Inspector uses violent imagery to shock the Burlings, especially Sheila, and make them confront the horror of their actions. This gruesome depiction of Eva's death emphasizes the severe consequences of exploitation and underscores the emotional impact on the audience, showing the extreme measures Eva took due to the mistreatment she suffered.

How does the play position capitalism as a rapacious force?

Capitalism is portrayed as a destructive and insatiable force, driven by greed, as illustrated by the quotation 'after all it is better to ask for the Earth than to take it.' This highlights the exploitative nature of the capitalist system, where the wealthy class, like the Burlings and Gerald, consume resources without regard for the impact on others or the environment.

What does the Inspector mean when he says, 'sometimes there isn't as much difference as you think'?

The Inspector uses this statement to point out the moral corruption that exists within the ruling classes. While the Burlings and Gerald might consider themselves responsible citizens, their actions—such as exploitation and indifference to others' suffering—reveal that, in a moral sense, they are no different from criminals.

How does the play address the role of women in society, particularly through Eva Smith and Sheila?

The play highlights the power dynamics between men and women, particularly in the context of the early 20th century. Eva Smith represents the oppressed working-class woman, while Sheila, who learns from the Inspector's lessons, represents the potential for change. The play also addresses the significance of women gaining the vote and political power in 1945, urging women to take an active role in shaping a fairer, more equal society.

What is the symbolic significance of Eva Smith's name and her connection to Eve in the Bible?

Eva Smith's name symbolizes the archetypal woman, as it closely mirrors 'Eve,' the original woman in the Bible. This symbolism emphasizes Eva’s role as a representative of women who are exploited and mistreated in society, drawing parallels to the suffering of women throughout history.

How does the Inspector's supernatural role influence the play's message?

The Inspector’s supernatural presence serves to correct the selfish worldview of characters like Mr. Burling, who believes in individualism and looking after oneself. His arrival, prompted by Burling’s words, suggests that the Inspector is more than just a character—he is a force sent to teach the Burlings and the audience a moral lesson, echoing the themes of social responsibility and collective morality.