arthur birling Flashcards
Arthur Birling conventional interpretation
- hes corrupt and unfeeling, caring nothing for the people he has power over. he symbolises capitalism
King Arthur
- Arthur named after king arthur, to symbolise the ideal version of what a king should be
- King arthur was a symbol of good rule, believed in chivalry, using your power to help others. ironic as arthur birling is the opposite of this, instead of helping people, he exploits them
Preiestleys socialist message and irony (Arthur Birling)
- this is shown in his description of the strike where he sacked Eva and the ringleaders and calls it a “pitiful affair” shows his lack of pity
- pity full originally meant full of pity, but here it means the opposite, a complete lack of pity, a contempt
1945 politics and how it links to Birling
- when B describes himself, “im talking as as a hard headed, practical man of business” which is an allusion to the “hard headed man of business, a phrase used by a prime minister between the wars, to show how business owners made profit from the war
- teaching an audience that it was that type of government that brought Britain into both world wars, and if they carry on in power, another one might happen
- war is the capitalist dream, for example manufacturing planes and textiles
how does capitalism treat women as commodities
- a commodity is an object you can make money off of by selling
- hes willing to sell his daughter to gerald as a business opportunity, as soon as he finds out Gerald has been unfaithful to her, he says
- “now sheila, im not defending him. but you must understand thst a lof of young men…”
- meaning this is just the way these rich men behave
- Sybil also states that she had to put up with Arthur being away on business
- Birling wants to link Birling and Crofts business, and Sheila is the only way to link them
Business alliance for Birling
- the marriage between sheila and gerald is also mainly a way to improve business, and refers to the marriage as an alliance between the companies
- although he tells the inspector that he would “give thousands yes thousands” to bring eva back to life, as soon as he finds out the inspector wasnt real, he stops caring
- all about self interest and business
Titanic reference and context
- his reference to the titanic as “unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable” is dramatic irony as 2 weeks later it sank, intended to make him look stupid, as a symbol of rich capitalists, who also look stupid
- in addition, the Titanic could possible represent the upper class- priestley wants to show that their power and privilege will also be sunk by the peace and election which will follow the second world war
if you dont come down sharply on some of these people these people…
they’d soon be asking for the earth.”
“If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.”
- The phrase “come down sharply” employs forceful language to convey Birling’s insistence on a strict approach. The verb “come down” suggests a firm and authoritative response. By using the adverb “sharply,” Birling emphasizes the need for immediate and severe action, implying that leniency would be unacceptable.
- The use of the phrase “these people” is significant as it highlights Birling’s dismissive and condescending attitude towards others. By referring to individuals as “these people,” Birling distances himself from them, implying a sense of superiority. This language choice reflects his class-consciousness and lack of empathy for those he deems beneath him
- they’d soon be asking for the earth” implies that these individuals would make extravagant demands or seek unattainable goals if not controlled, suggesting a fear of social upheaval or loss of his own wealth and status.
the titanic, absolutely unsinkable”
- Birling’s statement is dramatically ironic because the audience knows the tragic fate of the Titanic. The ship, famously considered “unsinkable,” did, in fact, sink on its maiden voyage. The audience is aware of this historical event, making Birling’s statement an example of dramatic irony. This irony highlights Birling’s misguided certainty and foreshadows his own blindness to the consequences of his actions.
- The mention of the Titanic as “unsinkable” serves as a symbolic representation of Birling’s hubris and his belief in the invincibility of his own world. The Titanic, a symbol of human arrogance and technological pride, becomes a metaphor for Birling’s own inflated sense of importance and the impending downfall of his self-assured worldview.
- Birling’s reference to the Titanic highlights the theme of class divide in the play. The Titanic was known as a luxury liner, catering primarily to the wealthy and privileged. By using it as an example of invincibility, Birling reveals his class-based perspective, emphasizing his own social standing and aspirations for economic success.
Foreshadowing: Birling’s statement foreshadows the moral and social downfall that will befall him and his family. Just as the Titanic eventually met its demise, Birling’s confidence and complacency in his own actions will be shattered by the inspector’s revelations, exposing the consequences of his neglect and mistreatment of other
(heavy looking, rather portentous man)
The adjective “heavy-looking” suggests that Birling has a substantial or imposing physical presence. It can imply that he is overweight or has a solid build. This physical description may reflect his materialistic nature and his focus on wealth and status. It suggests that Birling carries a burden or has a substantial presence that impacts those around him. This word choice may reflect the influence he holds within his family and his position in society.
“Portentous”: The adjective “portentous” carries a sense of gravity and significance. It implies that Birling’s demeanor is marked by a self-important or solemn air. This description suggests that he views himself as an important figure and that his words and actions carry weight and consequence.
- The word “portentous” suggests that Birling is inclined to be pompous or self-important. It implies that he believes his words and actions hold great significance and that he often speaks in a grandiose or inflated manner
“i speak as a hard headed business man”
Personal Pronoun: Birling’s use of the first-person pronoun “I” emphasizes his individuality and personal authority. It suggests that he is speaking from a position of self-assuredness and confidence, asserting his own viewpoint as the sole authority on the matter at hand.
- The adjective “hard-headed” implies that Birling is practical, realistic, and driven by a focus on material success. It suggests that he prioritizes financial gains and pragmatism over moral considerations or emotional sentimentality.
- The term “businessman” denotes Birling’s professional identity and occupation. It highlights his role as someone engaged in commercial activities, pursuing profits and success. By emphasizing his status as a businessman, Birling seeks to establish himself as an authority on matters related to business and economics. This word reflects his self-perceived expertise and his belief that his opinions hold weight due to his professional experience.
“wretched girls suicide”
- Adjective: The word “wretched” carries a negative connotation and suggests a sense of pity or disdain. By describing Eva Smith as “wretched,” Birling reveals his lack of empathy and his tendency to view others in a derogatory or dismissive manner. It demonstrates his callousness and indifference towards the struggles and suffering of individuals like Eva.
- The use of the possessive pronoun “girl’s” emphasizes the power dynamic and Birling’s perception of Eva Smith as a subordinate figure. It reinforces the social hierarchy and Birling’s sense of superiority over Eva, diminishing her as merely a possession or object of his scrutiny.
- Birling’s casual and detached reference to it, however, reflects his lack of compassion and his tendency to reduce complex human experiences to mere inconveniences.
- wretched girl’s suicide,” contributes to the dehumanization of Eva Smith. Birling reduces her to a label, stripping away her individuality and reducing her to a pitiable and disposable entity. This language choice reveals Birling’s tendency to view others as inconsequential, further emphasizing his lack of empathy and concern for the welfare of those who are marginalized or deemed beneath him.
“i cant accept any responsibility”
The statement carries a tone of self-preservation and defensiveness. Birling’s choice of words and his assertion of not accepting responsibility suggest a reluctance to admit fault or face the consequences of his actions. The tone conveys Birling’s desire to protect his own reputation and maintain his position of power and authority.
- The use of the negative contraction “can’t” indicates Birling’s refusal or unwillingness to accept responsibility. It suggests a deliberate denial or rejection of accountability for his actions. This language choice highlights Birling’s defensive nature and his desire to distance himself from any culpability.
- The use of the first-person pronoun “I” focuses attention on Birling’s individual perspective and personal agency. It implies that Birling sees himself as separate from any collective responsibility and emphasizes his self-centeredness. By asserting that he cannot accept responsibility, Birling places himself at the center of the situation and avoids acknowledging any potential wrongdoing
- can’t accept” reflects Birling’s denial of responsibility. It implies a deliberate act of rejecting or dismissing any claims or accusations made against him. This language technique portrays Birling as defensive, evasive, and unwilling to acknowledge his role in the events that occurred.
Does that satisfy you? So I refused.”
Rhetorical Question: The rhetorical question “Does that satisfy you?” is used by Birling to challenge the inspector’s line of inquiry. By posing this question, Birling attempts to assert control and undermine the inspector’s authority. It suggests a tone of defiance and resistance, as Birling seeks to shift the focus away from himself and onto the inspector’s satisfaction.
Conjunction: The conjunction “so” is used to link Birling’s statement of the inspector’s satisfaction with his own response: “So I refused.” This conjunction indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, implying that Birling’s refusal is a direct consequence of the inspector’s questioning and his attempt to satisfy him. It suggests that Birling’s refusal is a result of his disagreement with or resistance to the inspector’s line of inquiry.
Tone: The statement carries a tone of assertiveness and self-assuredness. Birling’s choice of words and his questioning of the inspector’s satisfaction reveal his confidence in his own actions and beliefs. The tone conveys Birling’s attempt to maintain control and assert his authority in the face of the inspector’s scrutiny.
Defiance: Birling’s statement exhibits an attitude of defiance towards the inspector’s investigation. By refusing to comply or provide further information, Birling demonstrates his unwillingness to accept responsibility or acknowledge any potential wrongdoing. This language technique highlights Birling’s resistance to accountability and his determination to protect his own interests.
Shift in Power Dynamics: The statement reflects a power struggle between Birling and the inspector. Birling’s use of language techniques such as the rhetorical question and the conjunction “so” indicates his attempt to regain control and assert his authority over the inspector. This highlights the ongoing conflict between the two characters and Birling’s desire to maintain his position of power.
