An Inspector Calls Quotations

"A man has to make his own way—has to look after himself—and his family, too, of course,"
Mr Birling (Act 1)

"No, that’s no use. You not only knew her but you knew her very well. Otherwise, you wouldn’t look so guilty about it."
Sheila Birling (Act 1)

"If you think you can bring any pressure to bear on me, Inspector, you’re quite mistaken. Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of or that won’t bear investigation."
Sybil Birling (Act 2)

"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."
Inspector Goole (Act 3)

"Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable."
Mr Birling (Act 1)

"I speak as a hard-headed businessman."
Mr Birling (Act 1)

"If you don't come down hard on these people they'll soon be asking for the Earth!"
Mr Birling (Act 1)

"Each of you helped to kill her."
Inspector Goole (Act 3)

"Look Inspector, I'd give thousands..."
Mr Birling (Act 3)

"Look at the way he talked to me..."
Mr Birling (Act 3)

"One Eva Smith has gone - but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us"
Inspector Goole (Act 3)

"If there's nothing else, we'll have to share our guilt."
Inspector Goole (Act 2)

"Are you sure you don't know?"
Inspector Goole (Act 1)

"You think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things?"
Inspector Goole (Act 2)

"But these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people"
Sheila (Act 1)

"Its you two being childish - trying not to face the facts"
Sheila (Act 3)

"Now just be quiet so that your father can decide what we ought to do."
Sybil Birling (Act 3)