An Inspector Calls- Mr Birling

Question 1

Key Events and Points

Answer 1

He fired Eva Smith
He has capitalist views- doesn’t think that everyone’s equal
Refused to accept any responsibility in response to Eva’s death
Relieved when they found that it wasn’t real- his reputation is safe

Question 2

“Eva Smith… she had a lot to say- far too much- so she had to go”

Answer 2

• capitalism views

- “She had to go” doesn’t accept responsibility, tries to justify his actions.

Question 3

“There’ll be a public scandal”

Answer 3

• Thinks he is getting a knighthood- will ruin his chances

- Worried about his reputation.

Question 4

“If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth”

Answer 4

• Capitalist views
• Thinks that they want more than, what he thinks, they deserve
• He is eager to tell people his views of the lower class

Question 5

“Sheila is a lucky girl- and I think you’re a pretty fortunate young man too”

Answer 5

• Sheila is lucky to be marrying into a higher class.
• Sheila’s only purpose is to marry into a wealthier family
• Women seen as property and have no respect in society- what Sheila is supposed to do

Question 6

“We may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together- for lower costs and higher prices”

Answer 6

• “lower costs and higher prices”: capitalism, the divide between the classes getting bigger
• Eager for the marriage between Sheila and Gerald-benefits him and his business. Doesn’t care much about his daughter- just something for him to use to his advantage

Question 7

“Now look at the pair of them- the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke”

Answer 7

• Relieved that it wasn’t real
• Makes a joke showing that he doesn’t take it seriously
• Sheila and Eric still show remorse as they realise how their actions can effect someone’s life, although Mr Birling doesn’t realise this