Mr Birling Flashcards
“A m h t m h o b a l a h a h o…” Self-interest, Capitalism, Social Responsibility
“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own…”
Birling’s philosophy advocates for self-interest over communal welfare, using the imperative “has to” to stress the importance of individualism. This encapsulates the capitalist mindset and the rejection of social responsibility.
“B t w s o t c t a w n, y t e h t l a e e…”
“By the way some of these cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else…”
Birling mocks social responsibility, using the derogatory term “cranks” to dismiss those advocating for communal welfare. This represents the capitalist disdain for community and promotes individualism.
“T b a p s… a w h w i s f t m t I w?” Reputation, Selfishness, Consequences
“There’ll be a public scandal… and who here will i suffer for that more than I will?”
Birling’s self-pitying fear of scandal, indicated by the rhetorical question, prioritizes his reputation over moral concern. This highlights themes of reputation, selfishness, and the consequences of one’s actions.
“I g t c t u a s a i c.” Reputation, Avoidance of Scandal
“I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can.”
His urgency to ‘cover up, shown by the phrase “as soon as I can,” indicates themes of reputation management and the avoidance of scandal at any cost. In exams, use this quote to discuss how Birling’s desire to cover up the scandal reflects the upper class’s preoccupation with maintaining their reputation and avoiding public scandals.
“I y d c d s o s o t p, t s b a f t e.” Entitlement, Fear of Change
“If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.” Birling’s hyperbole about ‘asking for the earth’ exaggerates workers’ demands, using the conditional “if” to stress the need for strict control. This echoes themes of entitlement and fear of social change.
