Mr Birling

Question 1

Mr Birling all quotes

Answer 1

‘it’s a pity Sir George… can’t be with us’
‘very good chance of knighthood’
‘lower costs and higher prices’
‘my duty to keep labour costs down’
‘you’re not the kind of father a chap could go to’
‘you must understand that a lot of young men-‘
‘Nothing but an elaborate sell!’

Question 2

Mr Birling
1st point & quotations

Answer 2

Social status extremely important, Crofts have better position than Birlings, addresses inadequacy ‘it’s a pity Sir George…can’t be with us’ pretentious towards Gerald, desires prestige ‘very good chance of knighthood’

Question 3

Mr Birling
2nd point & quotations

Answer 3

Materialistic, Crofts work with him them ‘lower costs and higher prices’, outcome of daughter’s marriage, driven by finance, no concern for workers’ welfare ‘my duty to keep labour costs down’

Question 4

Mr Birling
3rd point & quotations

Answer 4

Lacks paternal qualities, prioritises work over children ‘you’re not the kind of father a chap could go to’ Eric felt he couldn’t confide in him, could have prevented the situation if he raised Eric correctly. Dismisses Sheila, is patronising, defends Gerald as has old-fashioned views on relationships, misogynistic ‘You must understand that a lot of young men-‘

Question 5

Mr Birling
4th point & quotations

Answer 5

Triumphant ‘nothing but an elaborate sell!’ callous disregard for previous events, returns to hubristic self until phone call suggests the events were real, highlights selfish nature