Key Quotes/ Character Profile For Aruthr Birling Flashcards
Who is Arthur Birling?
He is an successful businessman who is well respected in Brumley. Owns a factory and is head of the Birling family
A quote that backs up that Mr Birling is very confident? And what technique does it show?
“The titanic is unsinkable absolutely unsinkable ” or “ there isn’t chance of war”
Shows dramatic irony
Likes to be in control….
“Angrily” tells the inspector “ well if you don’t mind I’ll find out first”
Birling is ambitious…
“ there’s a very good chance of a knight hood”
Mr Birling is business minded……
“Hard headed, practical man of business
Mr Birling is selfish…..
“ A man has to make his own way”
Mr Birling is also anxious…..
“ there’ll be a public scandal unless we are lucky”
What does this show ? Mr Birling it optimistic about the future and thinks that strikes won’t be a problem for his company and dismisses and fear of war “ silly little war scares “
Shows that Mr Birling is being foolish and short -sighted. Undermines his authority. Priestley uses dramatic irony
“ hard headed business man”
Shows his attitudes to all areas of life and shows he has no emotion
Why does Mr Birling not take responsibility for other people?
Doesn’t believe in “ community and all that nonsense” sees them as “ cheap labour”
Doesn’t accept the blame for Eva smiths death shown through the quote ….
“ if we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we’d had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn’t it?”
Mr Birling dismisses the idea of social responsibility. He calls people like Goole“cranks” what theme does this represent?
Social responsibilities
Mr Birling dismisses the idea of social responsibility. He calls people like Goole“cranks” what theme does this represent?
Social responsibilities
Birling is presented as being obsessed with his status and says
“Give thousands “ to avoid the scandal
How does Mr Birling make himself sound important?
He says that he plays golf with the chief inspector. Shows he has connect with influential people
Another themes that portrays mr Birling is social class how ?
Because he’s a wealthy business man but wants to become form and “ old county family” like the Crofts which have inherited land wealth and titles
“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself” what does it show?
He want his business to make higher profit. And the author uses his character to show that this profit comes with a high moral cost
