10 Quote Slides

Quote 1

‘Oh look, Mummy, isn’t it a beauty?’
— Act 1

‘Mummy’ shows immaturity – treated as a child so acts as one. ‘Isn’t it a beauty’ – her delight over the ring suggests a materialistic attitude, which later changes due to the Inspector’s teachings. This can be seen when she refuses to take the ring back.

Quote 2

‘Pretty…I couldn’t be sorry for her’
— Act 1

Believes that Eva’s good looks means she won’t suffer for losing her job. Shows importance placed on looks by patriarchal Edwardian society, and explains her jealously and insecurity. ‘Couldn’t’ suggests it was impossible for her to do the right thing, possibly due to being sheltered from the reality of working class life, so she doesn’t realise the impact her actions will have.

Quote 3

‘I feel now I can never go there again’
— Act 1

Speaking about Milwards after she finds out about Eva’s death. Could imply Sheila’s selfishness and materialism – she cares more about the inconvenience to her life than a woman’s death. OR it could show how her growing social conscience has overpowered her materialism, as symbolised by the dress shop.

Quote 4

‘You mustn’t try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl… Inspector will just knock it down.’
— Act 2

Metaphor of a wall refers to the way Mrs Birling is attempting to present the working class as something different or alien – suggests Sheila doesn’t see it like this. Also shows Sheila is insightful and quickly understands the Inspector’s methods.