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Dec 21, 2025

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Key Quotes from Act One of An Inspector Calls

F

Faith @faith_xfti

An Inspector Calls is J.B. Priestley's powerful play about social responsibility and class conflict in early 20th century... Show more

- Birling - "If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be
............
asking for the earth" - selfishness
- Inspe

Key Character Quotes and Themes

Ever wondered how a few powerful quotes can reveal everything about a character's true nature? The dialogue in An Inspector Calls does exactly that, showing us the stark differences between selfish capitalism and caring socialism.

Mr Birling's capitalist attitudes shine through when he says people would be "asking for the earth" if treated fairly. His selfishness contrasts sharply with the Inspector's socialist response - "it's better to ask for the earth than to take it." This exchange perfectly captures the play's central conflict between greed and compassion.

Sheila's character development is brilliant to watch unfold. She transforms from someone who initially contributed to Eva's suffering to recognising that "these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people." Her guilt and willingness to take responsibility show real moral growth.

Key insight Notice how Sheila starts standing up for herself with phrases like "you fool - he knows" - this was revolutionary behaviour for women in 1912!

- Birling - "If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be
............
asking for the earth" - selfishness
- Inspe

Act One Setting Up the Social Divide

The opening act cleverly establishes each character's worldview through their language and attitudes. You'll spot dramatic irony everywhere as Priestley makes Birling look foolish with hindsight.

Birling's arrogance comes through in his confident predictions about the Germans not wanting war and the Titanic being "absolutely unsinkable." These historically incorrect statements make him appear unreliable and short-sighted. His capitalist philosophy is summed up when he dismisses community spirit as "bees in a hive" nonsense.

The Inspector's introduction through stage directions is crucial - described as having "massiveness, solidarity and purposefulness." He represents moral authority and socialist values, cutting through Birling's attempts at intimidation with class connections.

Gender expectations are clear from the start. Mrs Birling tells Sheila she must accept that men's work comes first, whilst Birling treats his daughter's happiness as secondary to Gerald's. These attitudes set up the social criticism that runs throughout the play.

Exam tip The dramatic irony in Birling's speeches about war and the Titanic immediately undermines his credibility - use this to show how Priestley makes audiences distrust capitalism!

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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

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Brad T

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Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

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Marco B

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Elisha

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English Literature

136

Dec 21, 2025

2 pages

Key Quotes from Act One of An Inspector Calls

F

Faith

@faith_xfti

An Inspector Calls is J.B. Priestley's powerful play about social responsibility and class conflict in early 20th century Britain. Through the mysterious Inspector Goole's investigation, we see how each character's actions contributed to a young woman's death, revealing deep tensions... Show more

- Birling - "If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be
............
asking for the earth" - selfishness
- Inspe

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Join milions of students

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Key Character Quotes and Themes

Ever wondered how a few powerful quotes can reveal everything about a character's true nature? The dialogue in An Inspector Calls does exactly that, showing us the stark differences between selfish capitalism and caring socialism.

Mr Birling's capitalist attitudes shine through when he says people would be "asking for the earth" if treated fairly. His selfishness contrasts sharply with the Inspector's socialist response - "it's better to ask for the earth than to take it." This exchange perfectly captures the play's central conflict between greed and compassion.

Sheila's character development is brilliant to watch unfold. She transforms from someone who initially contributed to Eva's suffering to recognising that "these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people." Her guilt and willingness to take responsibility show real moral growth.

Key insight: Notice how Sheila starts standing up for herself with phrases like "you fool - he knows" - this was revolutionary behaviour for women in 1912!

- Birling - "If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be
............
asking for the earth" - selfishness
- Inspe

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Act One: Setting Up the Social Divide

The opening act cleverly establishes each character's worldview through their language and attitudes. You'll spot dramatic irony everywhere as Priestley makes Birling look foolish with hindsight.

Birling's arrogance comes through in his confident predictions about the Germans not wanting war and the Titanic being "absolutely unsinkable." These historically incorrect statements make him appear unreliable and short-sighted. His capitalist philosophy is summed up when he dismisses community spirit as "bees in a hive" nonsense.

The Inspector's introduction through stage directions is crucial - described as having "massiveness, solidarity and purposefulness." He represents moral authority and socialist values, cutting through Birling's attempts at intimidation with class connections.

Gender expectations are clear from the start. Mrs Birling tells Sheila she must accept that men's work comes first, whilst Birling treats his daughter's happiness as secondary to Gerald's. These attitudes set up the social criticism that runs throughout the play.

Exam tip: The dramatic irony in Birling's speeches about war and the Titanic immediately undermines his credibility - use this to show how Priestley makes audiences distrust capitalism!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

2

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

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Most popular content: An Inspector Calls

Most popular content in English Literature

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

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Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user