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English Literature > AIC > Flashcards

AIC Flashcards

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1
Q

What does Mr Birling refuse to accept throughout the play?

A

His part in Eva Smith’s death

Mr Birling believes his involvement was insignificant.

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2
Q

How does Mr Birling view his involvement with Eva Smith?

A

He argues it was so small and unimportant that it could not have led to her death

This reflects his denial of responsibility.

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3
Q

What implication does Mr Birling make about Eva’s misfortune?

A

He implies it was her own fault

This indicates a lack of empathy and accountability.

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4
Q

What attitudes does Birling show regarding upper-class perspectives?

A

Denial and refusal to acknowledge consequences on lower-class people

These attitudes reflect pre-war societal norms.

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5
Q

What does the quote ‘A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself - and his family too’ imply about individualism?

A

It emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and personal responsibility.

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6
Q

How does Priestley use the character Mr Birling in relation to capitalist views?

A

Mr Birling represents selfish capitalist views, highlighting the belief in individualism over community responsibility.

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7
Q

What lesson does Birling attempt to teach Gerald and Eric before Inspector Goole arrives?

A

He tries to teach them to prioritize their own interests and to avoid helping others in society.

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8
Q

According to Birling, who is responsible for an individual’s fate?

A

He believes that people can only be responsible for themselves.

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9
Q

True or False: Birling believes that if people fail, it is due to external circumstances beyond their control.

A

False

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: Birling thinks that if people fail, it is their own _______.

A

fault

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11
Q

What viewpoint does Mr. Birling represent in the play?

A

Mr. Birling is used to show the capitalist viewpoint throughout the play.

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12
Q

What is Mr. Birling’s primary aim?

A

His primary aim is to succeed in business, caring more about money than people.

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13
Q

What argument does Mr. Birling make regarding wages?

A

He argues with Inspector Goole that he could not raise wages, as he needs to run his business effectively.

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14
Q

What does Mr. Birling believe about paying workers more?

A

He believes he cannot make as much money if he pays the workers more.

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15
Q

What does Mr. Birling’s perspective highlight?

A

This highlights the selfishness of capitalism.

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16
Q

What was capitalism designed to do?

A

Capitalism was designed to reward the business owners, not those actually doing the work.

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17
Q

What quote from Mr Birling shows the negativity of capitalism in act 1?

A

‘Well, it’s my duty to keep labour costs down, and if I’d agreed to this demand for a new rate we’d have added about twelve per cent to our labour costs.’

You’re not going to remember that lol. “Lower costs for higher prices”

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18
Q

What role does Mr. Birling play in his household?

A

Patriarchal (male ruling) head

This highlights the traditional gender roles within the family structure.

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19
Q

How does Mr. Birling treat his wife?

A

Assumes a protective role

This indicates a dynamic where he feels the need to shield her, suggesting a lack of agency on her part.

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20
Q

What does Mr. Birling’s behavior imply about Mrs. Birling’s ability to defend herself?

A

He treats her as if she cannot defend herself

This reflects the underlying power dynamics and gender inequality in their relationship.

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21
Q

How is Mrs. Birling addressed in conversations?

A

Not directly addressed

This indicates her marginalization and the lack of agency afforded to her in discussions about her own situation.

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22
Q

What does Mr Birling’s attitude towards the Inspector reveal about his social status?

A

It highlights his expectations as a member of the upper middle class

Birling believes that the Inspector’s questions are beneath him and his wife.

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23
Q

How does Mr Birling view his wife in relation to the Inspector’s interrogation?

A

He feels she is above the interrogation

This indicates Birling’s condescending view of both the Inspector and the situation.

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24
Q

What tone does Mr Birling adopt when addressing the Inspector?

A

Condescending

Birling’s tone is designed to put the Inspector in his place.

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25
Q

What is Mrs. Birling’s reaction to the Inspector’s questions?

A

She will not respond to him

This shows her belief that the Inspector is beneath her.

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26
Q

What quote from Mr Birling in act 2 presents him as the patriarchal head of the household and as an entitled upper-middle class man?

A

‘Is there any reason why my wife should answer questions from you, Inspector?’

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27
Q

What pronoun does Mr. Birling use to separate himself from Eric?

A

Mr. Birling uses the second person pronoun ‘you’ to verbally attack his son.

This shows how he disconnects from his family.

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28
Q

What does Eric want the family to do?

A

Eric wants the family to take responsibility for their actions and think of other people.

This contrasts with Birling’s obsession with his reputation.

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29
Q

What is Mr. Birling desperate to achieve?

A

Mr. Birling is desperate to get his knighthood.

This highlights his focus on personal gain over family values.

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30
Q

What does the conflict between Eric and Mr. Birling reveal?

A

The conflict reveals a huge crack in the façade of the Birling family.

It indicates the deep ideological divide between family members.

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31
Q

What is the definition of irony in the context of the provided text?

A

A situation where the opposite of what is expected occurs, highlighting a discrepancy between appearance and reality.

In this case, Mr. Birling believes he cares about others, while he actually prioritizes his self-interest.

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32
Q

‘You! You don’t seem to care about anything. But I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours List.’

Who says this and who are they saying it to?

A

Mr Birling says this to Eric

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33
Q

True or False: Mr. Birling genuinely cares about others according to his dialogue.

A

False

The irony is that while he accuses Eric of not caring, it is Mr. Birling who is self-centered.

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34
Q

Fill in the blank: In the context of the dialogue, Mr. Birling believes Eric doesn’t care about anything, but in reality, it is Mr. Birling who does not care about _______.

A

anyone but himself

This highlights the theme of self-interest versus genuine concern for others.

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35
Q

What quote from act 3 by Mr Birling shows him disconnecting from his family and presents irony?

A

‘You! You don’t seem to care about anything. But I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours List.’

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36
Q

What is Mr. Birling’s primary concern regarding the story?

A

Covering the incident up to protect reputations and social status

Mr. Birling is primarily focused on how the story might affect his and his family’s social standing and opportunities, such as receiving a knighthood.

37
Q

How does Mr. Birling’s character remain consistent throughout the play?

A

He shows a selfish, self-centred attitude

This consistency reflects his obsession with reputation and lack of concern for the consequences of his actions.

38
Q

True or False: Mr. Birling is deeply concerned about the moral implications of his actions.

A

False

Mr. Birling is more focused on his social status than the moral consequences of his actions.

39
Q

Fill in the blank: Mr. Birling’s obsession with his reputation illustrates his _______.

A

selfishness

His actions and dialogue throughout the play highlight his prioritization of personal gain over ethical considerations.

40
Q

‘This makes a difference, y’know. In fact, it makes all the difference’.

What does Mr Birling care about the most with this quote?

A

The fact that the story won’t end in a scandal for him due to the Inspector not being real. He doesn’t care about his actions or the effect of these actions on the girl herself

41
Q

‘This makes a difference, y’know. In fact, it makes all the difference’.

What does this quote show about Mr Birling.

A

That no change has happened from the start of the play and he is prepared to forget the whole story and live his life as he did before

42
Q

What emotion does Mrs Birling mock others for feeling?

A

Guilt for Eva Smith’s death.

43
Q

How does Mrs Birling react to others answering Inspector Goole’s questions?

A

She mocks them and is almost smug.

44
Q

What does Mrs Birling’s attitude emphasize about her character?

A

Her selfish, uncaring, and cold nature.

45
Q

How does Mrs Birling view her refusal to accept blame?

A

She views it as a victory.

46
Q

What is Mr Birling’s reaction when he find out the Inspector has no police connection?

A

He is prepared to forget the whole story and continue with life as before

47
Q

What is Mr Birling not concerned with in Act 3?

A

The consequences of his actions.

48
Q

Why is Mrs Birling concerned about discussing business?

A

She is worried about how her family is perceived by others

49
Q

What was Mrs Birling’s initial attitude towards the man who got Eva Smith pregnant?

A

She was happy for him to receive swift and severe punishments because she did not know him.

50
Q

What is Mr Birling’s key quote from Act 3?

A

‘This makes a difference, y’know. In fact, it makes all the difference.’

51
Q

How does Mrs Birling treat Sheila throughout the play?

A

She treats Sheila as a child, showing a lack of respect for her as a young adult.

52
Q

What does Mrs Birling suggest about the Inspector’s effect?

A

She belittles the effect, suggesting it is short-lived and that Sheila will not be affected permanently.

53
Q

What does Mr Birling’s attitude towards his actions suggest?

A

He doesn’t care about his actions in the girl’s life or their effects on her.

54
Q

What is Mrs Birling’s attitude towards others?

A

She doesn’t understand that she should think about other people.

55
Q

What could improper behavior in society cause for the Birlings?

A

Damage to their reputation.

56
Q

Why is the fact that Inspector Goole is not a real inspector important to Mr Birling?

A

It is important because it means the story of Eva Smith is unlikely to end in a scandal for him.

57
Q

What does Mrs Birling’s reaction reflect about societal attitudes?

A

It reflects social pre-war capitalist attitudes focused on self and family.

58
Q

How does Mrs Birling react when she realizes the mystery man is Eric?

A

She regrets her previous harsh comments and changes her attitude.

59
Q

What is Mrs Birling’s key quote from Act 3?

A

‘but I didn’t know it was you’

60
Q

What is Mr Birling’s main concern in Act 3?

A

Covering up the story to protect his reputation and chance of receiving a knighthood.

61
Q

What is Mr Birling’s key quote from Act 3?

A

‘I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can’

62
Q

Why is Mrs Birling okay with Eva Smith experiencing hardships?

A

Because Eva Smith is lower-class.

63
Q

What does Mrs Birling’s attitude suggest about class dynamics?

A

The upper class avoids recognizing the hardships of working-class people, and these truths are considered inappropriate for Sheila.

64
Q

What is Mrs Birling’s key quote from Act 2?

A

‘It would be much better if Sheila didn’t listen to this story at all.’

65
Q

How does Mrs Birling try to protect Sheila?

A

She tries to protect Sheila from the harsh truths of life.

66
Q

What is Mrs Birling’s primary focus regarding her family?

A

Mrs Birling focuses on how her family should behave around other people.

67
Q

What does the family’s behavior suggest?

A

That their perfect family is not so perfect after all.

68
Q

What do the family members begin to do?

A

They begin to separate and verbally attack one another.

69
Q

How does Mrs Birling feel about the charity’s refusal to help?

A

She believes Eva Smith was to blame for the charity refusing to help her.

70
Q

What does Mrs Birling care about most?

A

She only cares about her own family and their social standing.

71
Q

How does Mrs Birling view her responsibility for her actions?

A

Mrs Birling does not accept any responsibility for her own actions.

72
Q

What does Mrs Birling say about Eva Smith’s responsibility for her fate?

A

Mrs Birling says many times that Eva Smith was to blame for her own fate.

73
Q

What happens when the father of the child is anonymous to Mrs Birling?

A

She does not care about what happens to him.

74
Q

How does Mrs Birling react when she realizes the father might be her son?

A

She stutters and stops talking.

75
Q

What dramatic irony occurs with Mrs Birling’s statement?

A

The audience knows the father is Eric, Mrs Birling’s son.

76
Q

What does Mrs Birling say about the father of Eva’s child?

A

‘Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility.’

77
Q

What societal issue does Priestley illustrate through the Birlings’ attitudes?

A

The corruption that allows social classes to be treated differently and sometimes excluded from criminal investigations.

78
Q

Why do Mr and Mrs Birling find Inspector Goole’s actions unacceptable?

A

Because he refuses to worship or fear them despite their social standing.

79
Q

Why was it not considered appropriate to discuss business with women according to Mrs Birling’s context?

A

Women were thought to be too fragile, unintelligent, and emotionally unstable to take part in business conversations.

80
Q

What is Mrs Birling’s attitude towards discussing business in front of Sheila?

A

Mrs Birling disapproves of Mr Birling mentioning business matters in front of Sheila.

81
Q

What might Gerald think if the Birlings discuss business improperly?

A

That they do not know how to behave properly in society.

82
Q

What is Mrs Birling’s key quote from Act 1?

A

‘I don’t think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this.’

83
Q

What social class is Mrs Birling associated with and how does it affect her views on etiquette?

A

She is of a higher social class, so she understands and values pre-war etiquette.

84
Q

Why does Mrs Birling scold her husband about discussing business?

A

It goes against the pre-war etiquette and customs she upholds as part of the higher social class.

85
Q

What does Mrs Birling reprimand her husband for?

A

Talking business at the dinner table during a celebration and with her daughter present.

86
Q

What does Mrs. Birling’s relationship with Mr. Birling suggest about gender roles in pre-war Britain?

A

It highlights the influence of a patriarchal society, where men had more control, even over higher-class women.

87
Q

How does Mrs. Birling’s quote about marriage reflect societal expectations of women?

A

It suggests that women had to accept and adapt to men prioritizing work, reinforcing gender roles of the time.

88
Q

Why does Mrs. Birling try to teach her daughter about the expectations for women?

A

To prepare her daughter to live by the rules of men, as was customary in upper-class society.

89
Q

What does Mrs. Birling’s attitude toward men and marriage reveal about her perspective on gender roles?

A

She believes in traditional gender roles where men are dominant and women must adjust to their priorities.

English Literature (3 decks)

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