Mr Birling

Question 1

What themes could we connect to Mr Birling?

Answer 1

• Social class and status
• Responsibility
• Capitalism
• Gender
• Young and Old, ‘the generation gap’

Question 2

What words can be used to describe Mr Birling?

Answer 2

Domineering, Ambitious, A patriarch, Money Orientated, Shameless, Successful, Irresponsible.

Question 3

How does Priestley use Birling’s character to represent ideas about society?

“Priestley uses Birling as a symbol of..”

Answer 3

…the callous and heartlessness of capitalism. Through his character, Priestley is criticizing the complacency of capitalist prosperity.

Question 4

A specific comment about the Mr Birling for a thesis.

“Priestley uses Mr Birling as a…”

Answer 4

…a repellent character to show us the rank unfairness of current society.

Question 5

At the beginning of the inspection Priestley establishes Mr Birling as…

Answer 5

…a symbol of capitalism and the beliefs. He is highly complacent.

Question 6

“I say there isn’t a chance of war”

Answer 6

Mr Birling
Beginning of inspection
Written in 1945, audience would’ve lived through it. Dramatic irony.

Question 7

“The Titanic… unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”

Answer 7

“Titanic,” a symbol of unheard of luxury and ironically it sank. Possibly foreshadowing the Birling’s down fall.

Question 8

“… hard-headed practical man of business..”

Answer 8

Beginning of inspection, Mr Birling.
Adjective “hard-headed”, lack of feeling, hard to change his mind. Inflexible, stubborn.

Question 9

”..all mixed up like bees in a hive..”

Answer 9

Simile = ironic, highlights how positive community can be. Bee’s work together for the common good.

Question 10

Useful references for Mr Birling at the beginning of the inspection.

Answer 10

• Dramatic irony
• Repeated references to his hoped for knighthood
• Capitalism
• Looking after himself and his family.

Question 11

How is Mr Birling presented during the interrogation?

“Mr Birling is highly..”

Answer 11

.. defensive and refuses to take responsibility for his actions. He doesn’t change at all during the interrogation.

Question 12

“I refused, of course.”

Answer 12

During the interrogation
As if his actions are obviously right

Question 13

”.. they’d soon be asking for the earth.”

Answer 13

Metaphor
During Interrogation, Mr Birling.
See his hate for the working class - greedy + needy

Question 14

“I’d give thousands.”

Answer 14

During Interrogation, Mr Birling.
Tries to cover up the scandal - cares more about his reputation.

Question 15

Useful references for Mr Birling, during Interrogation.

Answer 15

• Repeatedly talks about everything ‘coming out’ and talking about ‘covering up’ Eric’s theft.
• Tries to intimidate the Inspector = name dropping.
• CONTRAST with young generation.

Question 16

“The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t take a joke.”

Answer 16

End of interrogation, Mr Birling.
Reference to humour, he’s not taking it seriously.

Question 17

“Probably a socialist or some sort of crank.”

Answer 17

Ironic = refers to Priestley
‘crank’ = mad man

Question 18

“You’ll have a good laugh over it yet.”

Answer 18

Repetition of references to humour + joking.
A total lack of responsibility

Question 19

How does Priestley present Mr Birling at the end of the interrogation?

“Ultimately Priestley presents Birling as a representative of…”

Answer 19

…the older conservative generation - unwilling to change right to the very end.

Question 20

Useful references for Mr Birling at the end of the interrogation.

Answer 20

• CAPITALISM
• Stage directions : triumphantly (repeated a few times); pointing at Eric and Shelia and laughing. Feels victorious.
• CONTRAST with younger generation