Inspector Calls Quotes

"You'd think we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense."

QUOTE EXPLOSION

ZOOM

METHODS

The phrase "mixed up" exposes Mr Birling's views on the lower class and upper class being equals. The verb "mixed" alludes to the idea that, according to Mr Birling, the two do not combine and work together naturally.

"Like bees in a hive" Priestley reveals Mr Birling's ignorance when his character ironically uses this simile to criticise Socialism; while he attempts to suggest it is chaotic, he is actually describing it as being an organised and sophisticated political system.

An Inspector Calls - Act One

CONTEXT

CONTRAST

This statement by Mr Birling presents his capitalist views perfectly. Priestley uses this character to reveal how wrong capitalism is. He achieves this by exposing Mr Birling as ignorant and unaware of the future. Priestley was a socialist, and his views were shared by many in 1945 when the play was written.

"We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” Inspector Goole contrasts Mr Birling and sees being "one body", (one community) as a vital part of a successful society. The Insptector is a mouthpiece for Priestley.