"We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other."
The Inspector
Actor's Note: Priestley's core socialist message. Deliver this with absolute vocal authority and stillness. Use a hard, intense gaze that sweeps across the entire Birling family and the audience.
"If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish."
The Inspector
Actor's Note: A prophetic warning of the World Wars. Lower the pitch of your voice to sound ominous. Let the words "fire and blood" echo in the room with increased volume.
"Community and all that nonsense."
Arthur Birling
Actor's Note: Highlights capitalist greed. Perform with a dismissive wave of the hand, a smug smile, and a pompous, booming vocal tone to show absolute arrogance.
"You're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all."
Eric Birling
Actor's Note: The younger generation holding the older generation accountable. Deliver with a trembling voice, pointing aggressively at Arthur. Posture should be rigid with disgust.
"The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can't even take a joke."
Arthur Birling
Actor's Note: Shows his absolute failure to learn. Needs to be delivered with a mocking, cruel laugh, clapping Gerald on the back. The tone should be highly condescending.
"Girls of that class..."
Sybil Birling
Actor's Note: Pure class prejudice. Emphasize the word "that" with a physical sneer. Keep your spine perfectly straight and lift your chin to literally "look down" on the Inspector.
"But these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people."
Sheila Birling
Actor's Note: The moment Sheila breaks away from her capitalist upbringing. Step physically away from your parents. Voice should break from its usual polite tone into genuine, raw anger.
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