An Inspector Calls
Key Quotations for The Inspector with Grade 9 Analysis
,Marxist Theory - Summary
• Society is capitalist as it is based on making profit, rather than by the interests of all
people.
• The proletariat (working class) make money for the bourgeoisie (upper class) who control
the means of production.
, • J.B.Priestley uses the Inspector to convey that he wants societal change and society to become more empathetic
towards the plight of the working class, instead of perceiving them as being disposable.
• One method through which this is deployed is the Inspector’s use of blunt language, almost to the extent of
dysphemism, such as “she was burned inside out,” talking about Eva, so that the Birlings could face the consequences
of their wrong actions.
• In complete juxtaposition, the Birlings use ambiguous euphemism, such as when Eric states “When a chap turns easily
nasty,” in trying to avoid his abhorrent actions.
• The Inspector uses blunt language to present how we should be more truthful and more open in society to tackle issues.
• Despite the Inspector being so graphic and using imagery to show what they had done to her, they still find it difficult to
accept their responsibility.
“Burnt her (Eva) inside out.”
• Here, Priestley’s use of graphic language, almost to the extent of dysphemism, and emotive, violent verb “burnt” evokes
an emotional response with the post-war audience of 1945 and the twenty-first century audience alike, evoking guilt and
a more empathetic response to the adversities the working class experience.
• Priestley’s language persuades the audience to feel immense sympathy, not only for Eva Smith but also for the rest of
the working class; it could be argued that Eva Smith’s suffering and suicide is used as a metaphor to highlight the
continuous struggles faced by the working class, throwing into relief the issues within society and how these problems
are ignored by the bourgeois.
• Priestley’s gory imagery alternatively compels the audience to feel profoundly guilty for the treatment of the working-
class in society and persuade them to change by being more empathetic.
Key Quotations for The Inspector with Grade 9 Analysis
,Marxist Theory - Summary
• Society is capitalist as it is based on making profit, rather than by the interests of all
people.
• The proletariat (working class) make money for the bourgeoisie (upper class) who control
the means of production.
, • J.B.Priestley uses the Inspector to convey that he wants societal change and society to become more empathetic
towards the plight of the working class, instead of perceiving them as being disposable.
• One method through which this is deployed is the Inspector’s use of blunt language, almost to the extent of
dysphemism, such as “she was burned inside out,” talking about Eva, so that the Birlings could face the consequences
of their wrong actions.
• In complete juxtaposition, the Birlings use ambiguous euphemism, such as when Eric states “When a chap turns easily
nasty,” in trying to avoid his abhorrent actions.
• The Inspector uses blunt language to present how we should be more truthful and more open in society to tackle issues.
• Despite the Inspector being so graphic and using imagery to show what they had done to her, they still find it difficult to
accept their responsibility.
“Burnt her (Eva) inside out.”
• Here, Priestley’s use of graphic language, almost to the extent of dysphemism, and emotive, violent verb “burnt” evokes
an emotional response with the post-war audience of 1945 and the twenty-first century audience alike, evoking guilt and
a more empathetic response to the adversities the working class experience.
• Priestley’s language persuades the audience to feel immense sympathy, not only for Eva Smith but also for the rest of
the working class; it could be argued that Eva Smith’s suffering and suicide is used as a metaphor to highlight the
continuous struggles faced by the working class, throwing into relief the issues within society and how these problems
are ignored by the bourgeois.
• Priestley’s gory imagery alternatively compels the audience to feel profoundly guilty for the treatment of the working-
class in society and persuade them to change by being more empathetic.
