Mr Birling

Question 1

All Mr Birling Quotes

Answer 1

• “(jovially) But the whole thing’s different now” (Act 3)
• “Now look at the pair of them-the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke.” (Act 3)
• “As if we are all mixed up like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense (Act 1)
• “There’ll be a public scandal… and who here will suffer for that more than I will?” (Act 3)
• “…not only something to make ‘em look prettier - but well, a sort of sign or token of their self-respect (Act 1)

Question 2

(jovially) But the whole thing’s different now” (Act 3)

Answer 2

• Stage direction depicts an unorthodox emotion
• Seems to operate in his own realm and is apethic to things that happen around him

Question 3

“Now look at the pair of them-the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke.” (Act 3)

Answer 3

• Callousness is apparent through both his acerbic tone
• Ridicules his own children but ironic with “unsinkable”

Question 4

“As if we are all mixed up like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense (Act 1)

Answer 4

• Zoomorphism to portray socialism as animalistic,absurd and unachievable
• Idiomatic noun nonsense depicts Mr B’s arrogance and ignorance

Question 5

“There’ll be a public scandal… and who here will suffer for that more than I will?” (Act 3)

Answer 5

• Question to evoke pity however exposes hypocrisy
• Incapable with guilt “public” shows how close wealth and reputation are

Question 6

“…not only something to make ‘em look prettier - but well, a sort of sign or token of their self-respect (Act 1)

Answer 6

• Mr B mouthpiece for the stereotypical view of women (patriarchal and misogynistic views)
• Epitome of male gaze