Mr. Birling

Question 1

What did Mr Birling refuse to do?

Answer 1

Pay 25 shillings instead of 23.

Question 2

What quote shows that Mr Birling likes Gerald more than Eric?

Answer 2

“You’re just the kind of son in lawn I’ve always wanted” -P4

Question 3

What does Birling not do in the play?

Answer 3

Accept responsibility

Question 4

What is Birling’s saying?

Answer 4

“Lower costs equals higher prices”

Question 5

Which quote shows that Birling abuses his social standing?

Answer 5

“How do you get on with out Chief Constable. Colonel Roberts?”-P16

Question 6

Birling Idea 1

Answer 6

Mr Birling represents greedy businessmen who only care for themselves. Priestley uses him to show the audience that the Eva Smiths of the world will continue to suffer if people like Birling remain in positions of power.

Question 7

Birling Idea 2

Answer 7

Priestley uses Mr Birling as a symbol to represent the selfishness and arrogance of capitalists in Edwardian society, Priestley wants his audience to dislike him.

Question 8

Birling idea 3

Answer 8

Priestley uses assertive language and juxtaposition to
present Mr Birling as an injudicious and elitist
character, this can be seen when he says he wants “lower costs and higher prices.

Question 9

Quote which shows Birling’s capitalist views?

Answer 9

“A man should look after himself- and his family of course”

Question 10

Quote which makes Birling selfish and arrogant

Answer 10

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself”

“It’s my duty to keep costs down”