10 Must-Know Quotes from An Inspector Calls – With Analysis
Students preparing for GCSE and IGCSE English Literature must be confident in using key quotations effectively. These ten quotes have been selected for their gravitas, relevance, and flexibility — they can be used across a range of essay questions and are supported by clear analysis and exam strategy tips.
Top 10 Key Quotes from An Inspector Calls and How to Use Them
Each quote includes:
- The speaker
- Linked theme(s)
- A brief, high-impact explanation
For more quotes grouped by theme, explore our full revision guide or download the Essential Themes and Quotes companion booklet.
1. “We are members of one body.”
Theme(s): Social Responsibility, Power and Authority
Use it to show: Priestley’s core message — collective responsibility in society. This quote underpins the moral heart of the play.
Exam Tip: Ideal for theme, character, and message-based questions. Link to AO3 (context) by discussing post-war ideals.
2. “The girl had been causing trouble in the works.”
Theme(s): Class and Social Hierarchy, Power
Use it to show: His dismissive attitude and capitalist mindset. Dehumanises Eva as “the girl” and views her as a nuisance.
Exam Tip: Great for analysing class prejudice and Birling’s role as a symbol of the old order.
3. “But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.”
Theme(s): Gender and Power, Class, Change and Redemption
Use it to show: Sheila’s awakening and empathy. Challenges her father’s capitalist view.
Exam Tip: Use to show generational contrast and developing social awareness.
4. “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”
Theme(s): Individualism vs Social Duty
Use it to show: The opposing ideology to the Inspector’s message. Birling’s selfish worldview is later dismantled by events.
Exam Tip: Link this to dramatic irony and Priestley’s critique of capitalism.
5. “Each of you helped to kill her.”
Theme(s): Social Responsibility, Truth and Illusion
Use it to show: Blunt delivery of collective guilt. Forces each character to confront their actions.
Exam Tip: Very effective for questions on guilt, responsibility or the Inspector’s role.
6. “She was young and pretty and warm-hearted – and intensely grateful.”
Theme(s): Gender and Power, Class
Use it to show: Gerald’s emotional connection to Eva — but also highlights power imbalance and class dynamics.
Exam Tip: Shows how even apparent kindness can mask exploitation.
7. “You seem to have made a great impression on this child.”
Theme(s): Generational Conflict, Gender
Use it to show: Mrs Birling’s condescending tone and refusal to respect Sheila’s developing independence.
Exam Tip: Good for contrast between older and younger generations.
8. “There’s no Inspector Goole in the police.”
Theme(s): Truth and Illusion
Use it to show: The family’s attempt to dodge responsibility through technicalities. Gerald focuses on facts over moral impact.
Exam Tip: Excellent for discussing the play’s ambiguous ending and audience reflection.
9. “If men will not learn that lesson, they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.”
Theme(s): Social Responsibility, Historical Context
Use it to show: The Inspector’s final warning and foreshadowing of war. Highlights Priestley’s urgent message.
Exam Tip: Powerful for AO3 – links to Priestley’s political views and the play’s 1945 context.
10. “I suppose we’re all nice people now.”
Theme(s): Truth and Illusion, Generational Change
Use it to show: Sheila’s sarcasm and insight. Reflects her moral growth and frustration with the others.
Exam Tip: Use in questions about Sheila’s development or the family’s refusal to change.
All images of characters from An Inspector Calls belongs to BBC.
Quick Tips for Memorising Quotes
- Use mnemonics: Group quotes by character or theme.
- Create flashcards: Write the quote on one side, theme and analysis on the other.
- Practise using each quote in different essay questions.
Link Your Quotes to Multiple Themes
To impress examiners, show flexibility. Many of these quotes relate to more than one theme — social responsibility, class, gender, and power are often interwoven. Make sure you’re not just dropping quotes into your answer, but explaining how they reveal Priestley’s message.
Want More?
You’ll find more theme-based quotes, full analysis, and exam tips in our Essential Themes and Quotes booklet — and our Complete Revision Guide for An Inspector Calls. You can find it and other free resources on our An Inspector Calls: Revision Resources Page.
