Introduction
Learning key quotations is one of the best ways to improve your GCSE English Literature grade. Quotes provide evidence for your ideas and help you analyse:
- Characters
- Themes
- Context
- Priestley’s message
The most successful GCSE essays use short, accurate quotations and explain their significance clearly.
Why Are Quotes Important?
Quotes help you:
✅ Support your points
✅ Analyse language
✅ Discuss themes
✅ Link to context
✅ Impress examiners
You do not need to memorise long quotations. Short quotations are often easier to remember and analyse.
Inspector Goole Quotes
Quote 1
“We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.”
Theme
- Social Responsibility
- Socialism
- Community
Analysis
The Inspector argues that society is connected and that people must care for one another.
This is Priestley’s central message in the play.
Quote 2
“If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.”
Theme
- Consequences
- Responsibility
- Conflict
Analysis
The list of “fire and blood and anguish” creates a powerful warning.
Priestley suggests that ignoring social responsibility will lead to suffering.
Quote 3
“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.”
Theme
- Responsibility
- Power
Analysis
The Inspector challenges Birling’s belief that wealth and status excuse selfish behaviour.
Arthur Birling Quotes
Quote 4
“A man has to make his own way.”
Theme
- Capitalism
- Individualism
Analysis
Birling believes people should look after themselves rather than helping others.
Priestley presents this view negatively.
Quote 5
“The Titanic… unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”
Theme
- Dramatic Irony
Analysis
The audience knows the Titanic sank.
This makes Birling appear foolish and unreliable.
Quote 6
“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”
Theme
- Individualism
- Capitalism
Analysis
This contrasts directly with the Inspector’s belief in collective responsibility.
Sheila Birling Quotes
Quote 7
“These girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.”
Theme
- Class
- Responsibility
- Equality
Analysis
Sheila recognises that workers deserve respect.
This demonstrates her growing maturity.
Quote 8
“I’ll never, never do it again to anybody.”
Theme
- Guilt
- Change
Analysis
The repetition emphasises Sheila’s genuine remorse.
Quote 9
“It doesn’t make any real difference.”
Theme
- Responsibility
Analysis
Even after hearing the Inspector may not be genuine, Sheila understands that their actions still matter.
Eric Birling Quotes
Quote 10
“The fact remains that I did what I did.”
Theme
- Responsibility
- Guilt
Analysis
Eric accepts responsibility for his behaviour.
Priestley presents him positively because he learns from his mistakes.
Quote 11
“You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble.”
Theme
- Family
- Generational Divide
Analysis
This highlights the poor relationship between Eric and Mr Birling.
Mrs Birling Quotes
Quote 12
“Girls of that class.”
Theme
- Class Prejudice
Analysis
Mrs Birling judges Eva because of her social background.
The phrase shows her snobbery and prejudice.
Quote 13
“I accept no blame for it at all.”
Theme
- Responsibility
Analysis
Mrs Birling refuses to acknowledge her role in Eva’s death.
She represents the stubborn older generation.
Gerald Croft Quotes
Quote 14
“Everything’s all right now, Sheila.”
Theme
- Responsibility
- Generational Divide
Analysis
Gerald believes that discovering the Inspector was not real removes their problems.
Priestley shows that Gerald has learned very little.
Quote 15
“I didn’t feel about her as she felt about me.”
Theme
- Gender
- Relationships
Analysis
This highlights the unequal nature of Gerald’s relationship with Eva.
Eva Smith Quotes
Quote 16
“She was a lively good-looking girl.”
Theme
- Humanity
- Class
Analysis
Eva is presented as a real person rather than simply a victim.
Priestley encourages the audience to sympathise with her.
Quote 17
“Pretty and warm-hearted.”
Theme
- Innocence
Analysis
The positive description increases audience sympathy for Eva.
Theme Quotes
Social Responsibility
“We are members of one body.”
Meaning
Society should work together and support everyone.
Capitalism
“A man has to make his own way.”
Meaning
People are responsible only for themselves.
Class
“Girls of that class.”
Meaning
Shows prejudice towards working-class people.
Equality
“They’re people.”
Meaning
Everyone deserves respect regardless of class.
Consequences
“Fire and blood and anguish.”
Meaning
Actions have serious consequences.
Top 10 Quotes to Memorise
- “We are members of one body.”
- “Fire and blood and anguish.”
- “A man has to make his own way.”
- “Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”
- “These girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.”
- “I’ll never, never do it again.”
- “Girls of that class.”
- “I accept no blame for it at all.”
- “The fact remains that I did what I did.”
- “Public men… have responsibilities as well as privileges.”
GCSE Practice Questions
1 Mark Questions
Q1
Who says, “We are members of one body”?
Q2
Which character says, “A man has to make his own way”?
Q3
Who says, “I accept no blame for it at all”?
Q4
Which character describes workers as “people”?
2 Mark Questions
Q5
Give two quotes linked to responsibility.
Q6
Give two quotes spoken by Sheila.
Q7
State two quotes that show class prejudice.
Q8
Give two quotations that demonstrate guilt.
3 Mark Questions
Q9
Explain how one quotation presents social responsibility.
Q10
Describe how one quotation presents class inequality.
Q11
Explain how Birling’s quotations create dramatic irony.
Q12
Describe how Sheila’s quotations show development.
4 Mark Questions
Q13
Explain how Priestley uses quotations to present capitalism.
Q14
Explain how quotations reveal the generational divide.
Q15
Explain how the Inspector’s quotations communicate Priestley’s message.
Q16
Explain how quotations help present Eva Smith sympathetically.
6 Mark Questions
Q17
How do quotations reveal the importance of responsibility in the play?
Q18
Explain how quotations present the differences between Sheila and Mrs Birling.
Q19
How does Priestley use quotations to criticise class inequality?
12 Mark Questions
Q20
Starting with these quotations, explore how Priestley presents responsibility in An Inspector Calls.
Answers
Q1
Inspector Goole.
Q2
Mr Birling.
Q3
Mrs Birling.
Q4
Sheila Birling.
Q5
- “We are members of one body.”
- “The fact remains that I did what I did.”
Q6
- “These girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.”
- “I’ll never, never do it again.”
Q7
- “Girls of that class.”
- “Cheap labour.”
Q8
- “I’ll never, never do it again.”
- “The fact remains that I did what I did.”
Q9
The quote “We are members of one body” presents the idea that society is connected. Priestley suggests that people should help one another and share responsibility.
Q10
The quote “Girls of that class” shows Mrs Birling’s prejudice. She judges Eva because she is working class, highlighting social inequality.
Q11
Birling claims the Titanic is “unsinkable” and dismisses the possibility of war. The audience knows these statements are wrong, making him appear foolish.
Q12
At the beginning Sheila is immature, but later she says, “I’ll never, never do it again.” This shows she accepts responsibility and learns from her mistakes.
Q13
Priestley uses Birling’s quotation, “A man has to make his own way,” to present capitalist beliefs. Birling focuses on individual success rather than helping others.
Q14
The younger generation accept responsibility through quotations such as Eric’s “The fact remains that I did what I did.” In contrast, Mrs Birling says, “I accept no blame for it at all.”
Q15
The Inspector’s quotations focus on responsibility, equality and consequences. Through him, Priestley communicates his belief that society should care for all its members.
Q16
Descriptions such as “lively good-looking girl” and “pretty and warm-hearted” encourage the audience to view Eva as an innocent victim deserving sympathy.
Q17 (6 Marks)
Responsibility is presented through several important quotations. The Inspector’s statement, “We are members of one body,” argues that everyone is connected and responsible for others. Sheila and Eric demonstrate responsibility through their acceptance of guilt, while Mr and Mrs Birling reject blame. Priestley uses these contrasting quotations to show the importance of accountability and social awareness.
Q18 (6 Marks)
Sheila’s quotations demonstrate growth and responsibility. She admits her mistakes and promises not to repeat them. Mrs Birling’s quotations reveal stubbornness and prejudice, particularly when she says, “I accept no blame for it at all.” Priestley uses their contrasting language to highlight the generational divide.
Q19 (6 Marks)
Priestley uses quotations such as “Girls of that class” to reveal upper-class prejudice. Sheila’s statement that workers are “people” challenges these attitudes. Through the characters’ language, Priestley criticises a society that values wealth and status over human dignity.
Q20 (12 Marks)
Priestley presents responsibility as the central message of the play through a range of key quotations. The Inspector’s statement, “We are members of one body,” clearly communicates the belief that society is interconnected. Characters such as Sheila and Eric support this idea by accepting responsibility for their actions, shown through quotations that express guilt and remorse. In contrast, Mr and Mrs Birling reject responsibility and focus on protecting their reputation. Through these contrasting viewpoints, Priestley encourages the audience to recognise their duties towards others. The Inspector’s warning of “fire and blood and anguish” reinforces the consequences of ignoring responsibility. Overall, Priestley uses quotations throughout the play to promote a fairer and more compassionate society.
