Mr Birling

Question 1

Who is Mr Birling in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

Answer 1

Mr Birling is the head of the Birling family and a successful businessman.

Question 2

What is Mr Birling’s occupation?

Answer 2

Mr Birling is a wealthy factory owner and a former Lord Mayor of Brumley.

Question 3

True or False: Mr Birling is portrayed as a selfish and arrogant character.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

What is Mr Birling’s attitude towards social responsibility?

Answer 4

Mr Birling believes in individualism and capitalism, dismissing the idea of social responsibility.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: Mr Birling is more concerned with __________ than with the welfare of others.

Answer 5

profits

Question 6

What event does Mr Birling mention at the beginning of the play that he believes will prevent war?

Answer 6

The Titanic being unsinkable

Question 7

How does Mr Birling react when the Inspector arrives?

Answer 7

Mr Birling is defensive and tries to assert his authority.

Question 8

What is Mr Birling’s daughter’s name?

Answer 8

Sheila

Question 9

True or False: Mr Birling fires Eva Smith from his factory for a trivial reason.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What is the name of Mr Birling’s wife?

Answer 10

Sybil

Question 11

What event does Mr Birling believe will make it easier for him to receive a knighthood?

Answer 11

His daughter’s engagement to Gerald Croft

Question 12

What does Mr Birling refuse to accept responsibility for in the play?

Answer 12

The suicide of Eva Smith

Question 13

What is Mr Birling’s reaction when he learns the truth about the Inspector’s identity?

Answer 13

He tries to dismiss it as a hoax and carries on as if nothing has happened.

Question 14

How does Mr Birling feel about the Inspector’s questioning?

Answer 14

He dislikes it and feels that it is unnecessary and intrusive.

Question 15

What does Mr Birling symbolize in the play?

Answer 15

Mr Birling symbolizes the selfishness and lack of social responsibility of the upper class.

Question 16

What is Mr Birling’s reaction when he finds out that Eric stole money to help Eva Smith?

Answer 16

He is more concerned about the scandal it will cause than the welfare of Eric or Eva.

Question 17

How does Mr Birling react when the Inspector reveals that Eva Smith was pregnant?

Answer 17

He is shocked but still refuses to take responsibility for her death.

Question 18

What is Mr Birling’s main concern throughout the play?

Answer 18

His reputation and social standing

Question 19

True or False: Mr Birling represents the voice of reason and morality in ‘An Inspector Calls’.

Answer 19

False

Question 20

What is Mr Birling’s final act in the play?

Answer 20

He calls the Chief Constable to confirm that there is no real Inspector Goole.

Question 21

What is Mr Birling’s reaction when the phone rings at the end of the play?

Answer 21

He is relieved and believes that the whole incident was just a hoax.

Question 22

What does Mr Birling fail to learn by the end of the play?

Answer 22

He fails to learn the importance of social responsibility and the consequences of his actions.

Question 23

What is Mr Birling’s final speech about in the play?

Answer 23

It is about the importance of looking out for oneself and not worrying about others.

Question 24

What does Mr Birling refuse to acknowledge at the end of the play?

Answer 24

His role in Eva Smith’s death and the impact of his actions on others.