Mr Birling

Question 1

Brief summary (2)

Answer 1

• His patriarchal (male dominated society) role as owner
  of Birling and Co. which only employs young women at
  extortionately low wages.
• His marriage to Mrs Birling (Sybil), who accepts her own domination by Mr Birling. This is
  a reflection of Mr Birling’s control over his household; she is often ordered to sit in the
  “drawing room”, while men talk.

Question 2

Symbolism?

Answer 2

Mr Birling is symbolic of the selfish, capitalist higher middle-class. This is demonstrated
through his relief upon Gerald’s theory that the Inspector wasn’t real and that “the whole
thing’s different now’

Question 3

Act 1

Answer 3

“The Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war, except some half-civilized folks in the Balkans.”
- This quote shows Birling’s overconfidence and ignorance about world events. He wrongly predicts that war won’t happen, but the audience knows he is mistaken, as the play is set in 1912, just before World War I. Priestley uses dramatic irony to highlight Birling’s foolishness and lack of awareness.

Question 4

Act 1

Answer 4

“The Titanic – she sails next week – forty-six thousand eight hundred tons – New York in five days – and every luxury – and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”
- Birling’s boast about the Titanic shows his overconfidence in progress and technology. The audience knows the Titanic sank, making this another case of dramatic irony. The Titanic represents the failure of the capitalist system Birling supports, which Priestley criticizes as weak and flawed.
- repetition emphasis it will not sink - to show he is always wrong

Question 5

Act 2

Answer 5

“I’m a public man –”
- Mr. Birling highlights his role as an important figure in society, suggesting that his status should protect him from criticism. He believes his position gives him privilege and shields him from responsibility, reflecting the upper class’s sense of privilege.

Question 6

Act 2

Answer 6

“I don’t propose to give you much more rope.”
- This metaphor shows Birling’s belief that he has power over the situation, treating the Inspector like a subordinate. He tries to assert control, but as the play continues, his lack of authority becomes clear. Priestley uses this to highlight how fragile the upper class’s power is when faced with moral challenges.

Question 7

Act 3

Answer 7

“Look, Inspector – I’d give thousands – yes, thousands –”
- This quote shows Mr. Birling trying to use money to fix the problem. After hearing about Eva Smith’s death, he thinks offering money can make things right. This shows his materialistic mindset and belief that wealth can solve any issue, even moral ones. However, his offer comes too late, revealing how disconnected he is from the real consequences of his actions.

Question 8

Act 3

Answer 8

“The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke.”
- Mr. Birling’s dismissive comment about the younger generation, especially Eric and Sheila, shows his refusal to accept change or listen to new ideas about responsibility. He mocks their concern over the Inspector’s message, showing how out of touch he is with society’s changing values. Priestley uses this to highlight the generational divide.