An Inspector Calls Quotations

An Inspector Calls drama by the British dramatist J. B. Priestley

Inspector Goole: We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish. Good night.

Inspector Goole: Isn't he used to drinking?

Sybil: No, of course not. He's only a boy.

Inspector Goole: No, he is a young man, and some young men drink far too much.

Sheila: And Eric's one of them.

Sheila: You mustn't try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl. If you do, then the Inspector will just break it down. And it'll be all the worse when he does. Sheila recognises what the Inspector is trying to do to her family and in a way, sympathizes towards him. She starts questioning her family and helping the Inspector.

Inspector Goole: (massively) Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.

Sybil Birling: I think it was simply a piece of gross impertinence - quite deliberate - and naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case.

Eric: I did what I did. And mother did what she did. And the rest of you did what you did to her. It's still the same rotten story whether it's been told to a police inspector or to somebody else.

Inspector Goole: But after all, it is better to ask for the world than to take it.

Inspector Goole: (sternly) You see, we have to share something. If there's nothing else, we'll have to share our guilt.

Inspector Goole: (grimly) Don't worry, Mrs Birling. I shall do my duty.

Sheila: (laughs rather hysterically) Why - you fool - he knows. Of course he knows. And I hate to think how much he knows that we don't know yet. you'll see. You'll see.

this quote shows Sheila's witt and perceptiveness. she can see whats happening and knows what will happen next.

Gerald: Well … you were right. There isn’t any such Inspector. We’ve been had.

Sheila: But these girls aren’t just cheap labour – they’re people!

Arthur Birling: (dubiously) I must say, Sybil, that when this comes out in the inquest, it isn't going to do us much good. The Press might easily take it up-