An inspector calls

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Sheila: When I was looking at myself in the mirror I caught sight of her smiling at the assistant , and I was furious with her. I'd been in a bad temper anyhow. Mrs Birling: I wish I'd been here when that man first arrived. I'd have asked him a few questions before I allowed him to ask us any. Inspector: But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone – but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives , and what we think and say and do. 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. Good night. Mrs Birling: ( rather cowed ) she said that the father was only a youngster – silly and wild and drinking too much. There couldn't be any question of marrying him – it would be wrong for them both. He had given her money but she didn't want to take any more money from him.

Gerald: the girl saw me looking at her and then gave me a glance that was nothing less than a cry for help . So I went across and told Joe Meggarty some nonsense – that the manager had a message for him or something like that – got him out of the way – and then told the girl that if she didn't want any more of that sort of thing, she'd better let me take her out of there. She agreed at once. Arthur Birling : Giving us the port , Edna ? That’s right. ( he pushes it towards Eric.. ) you ought to like this port, Gerald, as a matter of fact, Finchley told me it's exactly the same port your father gets from him. Mrs Birling: I'm sorry she should have come to such a horrible end. But I accept no blame for it at all .Inspector: No, I don't. I know why she needed help . But as I wasn't there, I don't know what she asked from your committee.

Inspector: of course she might have changed lately, but I can't believe she could have changed so much.Sheila: I tell you – whoever that Inspector was, it was anything but a joke. You knew it then. You began to learn something. And now you've stopped. You're ready to go on in the same old way. Eric: (almost threatening her) You don't understand anything. You never did. You never even tried – you - Inspector: ( taking charge, masterfully) Stop! // They are suddenly quiet, staring at him.// And be quiet for a moment and listen to me. I don't need to know anymore. Neither do you. This girl killed herself – and died a horrible death. But each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget it . (He looks from one to the other of them carefully.) But then I don't think you ever will. Remember what you did, Mrs Birling. You turned her away when she most needed help.