Mr Birling Flashcards
How old is Mr Birling? What business is he the head of?
Mr Birling is in his mid 50s and head of the business Birling & Co.
What is Mr Birling’s social status?
Mr Birling was born to a working class family but worked his way up the hierarchy. He is now very rich but doesn’t have the class (ie. gentleman/aristocrat) to match his wealth.
“a very good chance of a knighthood”
He is ambitious/ presumptuous
presumptuous language
Mr Birling wants a title
CLASS
Priestley is criticising capitalism
“when Crofts and Birlings are working together”
He is ambitious/presumptuous
Excited tone
sees Gerald & Sheila’s engagement as a business deal
MONEY
Priestley is criticising capitalism
“there isn’t a chance of war”
He is ignorant/selfish/optimistic
dramatic irony
Mr Birling believes nothing will get in the way of his business/he priotises money over family
Priestley knows that the audience know that WW1 is round the corner
“I say - fiddlesticks”
He is in denial/dismissive
colloquial expression
His background isn’t rich & higher class like Mrs B, shown in his language
MANNERS/CLASS/MONEY
Priestley is showing us the irony of Mr B’s position as he came from the same background as Eva Smith (working class)
“a man has to mind his own business”
He is ignorant
Firm tone
Mr Birling only wants to be responsible for money
RESPONSIBILITY
Priestley showing his socialist views
“give thousands”
He is anxious/apprehensive
colloquial phrase
He believes money is the only answer to problems (eg. a public scandal)
REPUTATION
Priestley is relflecting the class system’s impact on society through Mr B’s nervousness
“giving us the port, Edna”
He is anxious (to prove himself to Gerald)
rhetorical question/ symbolism in port
He wants to demonstate his wealth and status
REPUTATION/MONEY/CLASS
Priestley is mocking Mr B & Capitalism
