Mr Birling Flashcards
Who is Mr Birling in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Mr Birling is the head of the Birling family and a successful businessman.
What is Mr Birling’s occupation?
Mr Birling is a wealthy factory owner and a former Lord Mayor of Brumley.
True or False: Mr Birling is portrayed as a selfish and arrogant character.
True
What is Mr Birling’s attitude towards social responsibility?
Mr Birling believes in individualism and capitalism, dismissing the idea of social responsibility.
Fill in the blank: Mr Birling is more concerned with __________ than with the welfare of others.
profits
What event does Mr Birling mention at the beginning of the play that he believes will prevent war?
The Titanic being unsinkable
How does Mr Birling react when the Inspector arrives?
Mr Birling is defensive and tries to assert his authority.
What is Mr Birling’s daughter’s name?
Sheila
True or False: Mr Birling fires Eva Smith from his factory for a trivial reason.
True
What is the name of Mr Birling’s wife?
Sybil
What event does Mr Birling believe will make it easier for him to receive a knighthood?
His daughter’s engagement to Gerald Croft
What does Mr Birling refuse to accept responsibility for in the play?
The suicide of Eva Smith
What is Mr Birling’s reaction when he learns the truth about the Inspector’s identity?
He tries to dismiss it as a hoax and carries on as if nothing has happened.
How does Mr Birling feel about the Inspector’s questioning?
He dislikes it and feels that it is unnecessary and intrusive.
What does Mr Birling symbolize in the play?
Mr Birling symbolizes the selfishness and lack of social responsibility of the upper class.
What is Mr Birling’s reaction when he finds out that Eric stole money to help Eva Smith?
He is more concerned about the scandal it will cause than the welfare of Eric or Eva.
How does Mr Birling react when the Inspector reveals that Eva Smith was pregnant?
He is shocked but still refuses to take responsibility for her death.
What is Mr Birling’s main concern throughout the play?
His reputation and social standing
True or False: Mr Birling represents the voice of reason and morality in ‘An Inspector Calls’.
False
What is Mr Birling’s final act in the play?
He calls the Chief Constable to confirm that there is no real Inspector Goole.
What is Mr Birling’s reaction when the phone rings at the end of the play?
He is relieved and believes that the whole incident was just a hoax.
What does Mr Birling fail to learn by the end of the play?
He fails to learn the importance of social responsibility and the consequences of his actions.
What is Mr Birling’s final speech about in the play?
It is about the importance of looking out for oneself and not worrying about others.
What does Mr Birling refuse to acknowledge at the end of the play?
His role in Eva Smith’s death and the impact of his actions on others.
