Act one key quotes
Shelia
● ‘Is it the one you wanted me to have… now I really feel engaged’
- Sheila doesn't feel properly engaged without a ring
- Upper- class women got a fancy ring when they got engaged
to show that someone new (instead of their father) owned
them.
- Symbol for ownership
● ‘why - you fool- he knows!’
- The exclamation shows that Sheila has quickly realised that
Goole is shewed (has good judgement) and smart.
- She knows that they cannot hide anything from him and that
he knows all of the answers and how they are involved.
- knows he is asking them questions to realise their
involvement and responsibility.
- She shows maturity and intelligence.
● ‘So i'm really responsible’
- Shelia’s first reaction to inspector Goole’s questioning is to
accept responsibility for her actions
- Although she is still very worried about how the experience
affects her, she acknowledges that she played a key role in
Eva Smith’s suicide.
- Contrasts Mr Birling’s complete denial.
Mr Birling
● ‘A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself – and his
family too.
- Priestly uses Birling to highlight capitalist views
- Right before the inspector arrives, Birling is trying to educate
Gerald and Eric about how to think about themselves and not to
help anyone else in society.
Shelia
● ‘Is it the one you wanted me to have… now I really feel engaged’
- Sheila doesn't feel properly engaged without a ring
- Upper- class women got a fancy ring when they got engaged
to show that someone new (instead of their father) owned
them.
- Symbol for ownership
● ‘why - you fool- he knows!’
- The exclamation shows that Sheila has quickly realised that
Goole is shewed (has good judgement) and smart.
- She knows that they cannot hide anything from him and that
he knows all of the answers and how they are involved.
- knows he is asking them questions to realise their
involvement and responsibility.
- She shows maturity and intelligence.
● ‘So i'm really responsible’
- Shelia’s first reaction to inspector Goole’s questioning is to
accept responsibility for her actions
- Although she is still very worried about how the experience
affects her, she acknowledges that she played a key role in
Eva Smith’s suicide.
- Contrasts Mr Birling’s complete denial.
Mr Birling
● ‘A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself – and his
family too.
- Priestly uses Birling to highlight capitalist views
- Right before the inspector arrives, Birling is trying to educate
Gerald and Eric about how to think about themselves and not to
help anyone else in society.
