MR BIRLING đ© Flashcards
What does it tell us about Mr Birlings character when he says âa man has to make his own way - has to look after himselfâ ?
SOCIAL CLASS
Mr Birling can be seen to represent the ideoligy of capitalism - a system where business is privately owned for the sole purpose of making profit.
what is dramatic irony and how does Prestily use it specifically with Mr Birling?
Dramatic irony is when the audience know something that the stage does not
Preistly uses a lot of DRAMATIC IRONY to criticise Mr B
What does this quote highlight about the Birlings Social Ranking ? âgiving us the port EDNA?â
SOCIAL CLASS
Drinking port is significant due to its cost -
associated with the wealthy in society -
the price alone would have been prohibitive and therefore out for reach for the working class.
what do the repeated quotes âhard headed business manâ and âhard headed, practical man of businessâ show about MR Bs character ? what is presitly highlighting?
SOCIAL CLASS
Preistly is presenting Mr B as a FLAWED, MISLED and POMPUS man.
The Deliberate repetition is Preistly Emphasising how MR BIRLINGs SELF-PERCEPTION is entirely built upon how he sees himself in the times of work and money
âA man has to make his own way â has to look after himself â and his family too, of courseâŠâ what does MR B Show here?
SOCIAL CLASS
his quote encapsulates Mr. Birlingâs CAPITALIST IDEOLIGY and belief in INDIVIDUALISM. He PRIORITISES self-interest and suggests that people are responsible only for their own well-being.
The phrase âand his family too, of courseâ appears like an afterthought, reflecting his self-centered nature.
What does this dramatic irony emphasise about MR Bs character ? âThe Germans donât want war. Nobody wants war.â
This quote demonstrates Mr. Birlingâs COMPLACENCY and NAIVETY . Set in 1912, his ASSERTION is IRONIC because the audience (from 1945 onwards) knows that two World Wars followed.
Priestley uses dramatic DRAMATIC to portray Birling as FOOLISH and UNRELIABLE, UNDERMINING his AUTHORITY
It reflects Priestleyâs criticism of short-sighted attitudes among the WEALTHY and those in power, who FAILED to FORSEE the consequences of THEIR ACTIONS.
âThe Titanic⊠unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.â AGAIN Priestley is using dramatic irony, what does this highlight about mr Bs character ?
This statement is another example of dramatic irony, as the audience knows the Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.
The repetition of âunsinkableâ emphasizes Birlingâs HUBRIS and CONFIDENCE in human progress and TECHNOLOGY.
Priestley uses the Titanic as a SYMBOL of the FAILURE of the capitalist system and the FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY among the upper classes. Birlingâs IGNORANCE highlights his DETACHMENT from reality.
âIf you donât come down sharply on these people, theyâd soon be asking for the earth.â
WHAT DOES THIS QUOTE SHOW ABOUT MR BIRLINGS CAPITALIST VIEWS?
SOCIAL CLASS + ARROGANCE
Here, Birling expresses his DISDAIN for the working class and JUSTIFIES his HARSH treatment of Eva Smith.
The phrase âthese peopleâ DEHUMANISES the working class, showing his LACK OF EMPATHY and understanding of their struggles.
Priestley CRITICISES this EXPLOITATIVE attitude, showing how CAPITALISM PRIORITISES profit over HUMAN WELFARE. The Inspector later challenges this view with the idea of FAIRNESS and SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
âI canât accept any responsibility.â
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
This REFUSAL to take ACCOUNTABILITY for his actions exemplifies Birlingâs MORAL BLINDNESS and SELFISHNESS.
Priestley uses this line to ILLUSTRATE the DIVIDE between the older and younger generations. While the younger generation (e.g., Sheila and Eric) begins to accept responsibility, Birling remains RIGID AND UNREPENTANT
It underscores the central theme of social responsibility, with Birling acting as a FOIL to the Inspectorâs message.
âCommunity and all that nonsense.â What does this show about Mr Birlings naivety and idiocy ?
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
EVIDENCE :This DISMISSIVE statement REVEALS Birlingâs REJECTION of socialist ideals and his belief in INDIVIDUALISM and SELF RELIANCE. HE IS ALIEN TO ACCEPTANCE OF OTHERS
EXPLAI: Priestley portrays Birling as the EMBODIMENT of capitalist ARROGANCE, contrasting his views with the Inspectorâs ADVOCACY for COLLECTIVE responsibility.
EXPAND: By RIDICULING the idea of âcommunity,â Birling ALIENATES himself from the playâs MORAL CENTRE, making him a target for the audienceâs criticism.
âI was an alderman for years â and Lord Mayor two years ago â and Iâm still on the Bench.â WHAT DOES THIS CONTRIBUTE TO THE UPPER CLASS THEME OF THE PLAY ? AND MR BIRLINGS CHARACTER
THEME - SOCIAL CLASS / ARROGANCE
Birling uses his SOCIAL and POLITICAL positions to ASSERT AUTHORITY and INTIMIDATE others.
This highlights his PREOCCUPATION with STATUS and POWER, which Priestley CRITIQUES as SHALLOW and SELF-SERVING.
However, his RELIANCE on titles UNDERMINES him, as it REVEALS INSECURITY rather than real authority.
WHY IS MR B ALMOST COVERING UP HERE ? âThereâs every excuse for what your mother and I did.â
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
POINT: Birlingâs attempt to JUSTIFY his actions shows his REFUSAL to learn or change.
EVIDENCE: THE WORD âEXCUSEâ CONTRASTS sharply with the younger characters, particularly Sheila and Eric, who RECOGNISE the harm caused by their BEHAVIOUR . OLD BLOOD > NEW BLOOD
EXPLAIN: Priestley uses Birlingâs STUBBORNNESS to show the DANGERS of IGNORING moral responsibility and the need for SOCIETAL REFORM.
âProbably a socialist or some sort of crank.â
SOCIAL CLASS
POINT: This DISMISSIVE comment about the Inspector REFLECTS Birlingâs DISDAIN for SOCIALIST ideas and his INABILITY to VIEW THE WORLD FROM ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
EVIDENCE: The term âcrankâ suggests his ARROGANCE and UNWILLINGNESS to take the Inspectorâs MESSAGE seriously, which further ALIENATES him from the audience.
EXPLAIN :Priestley uses this to emphasize the GENERATIONAL DIVIDE and the resistance of the older, wealthier class to change.
âWeâre in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity.â
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ?
SOCIAL CLASS / ARROGANCE
This is another example of dramatic irony, as the audience knows that the period following 1912 saw SIGNIFICANT economic challenges, including the Great Depression.
THE WORDS âINCREASING PROSPERITYâ show Birlingâs MISPLACED confidence in continuous progress and prosperity reflects his IGNORANCE of historical and ECONOMIC REALITIES.
Priestley uses this statement to CRITIQUE the COMPLACENCY and HUBRIS of the capitalist upper class, who were BLIND to the suffering of the working class.
âSheâd had a lot to say â far too much â so she had to go.â THIS IS SAID TO EVA SMITH , WHAT DOES THIS INDICATE ABOUT MR BS DEMEANOUR
GENDER INEQUALITY/DIVIDE
This comment about Eva Smith highlights Birlingâs AUTHORITARIAN and PATRIARCHAL attitude. He DISMISSES her as INSOLENT simply for standing up for fair wages.
The phrase âfar too muchâ INDICATES his DISDAIN for workers ASSERTING themselves and DEMANDING equality, further illustrating his EXPLOITATION of the working class.
Priestley uses this to criticize the power imbalance between employers and employees in capitalist systems.
âNothing to do with you, Sheila. Run along.â
GENDER INEQUALITY
This quote reflects Birlingâs PATRONISING attitude toward his daughter, REVEALING his belief in traditional gender roles and the idea that women should remain UNINVOLVED in serious matters.
His DISMISSAL of Sheilaâs involvement demonstrates his desire to maintain control and EXCLUDE others from discussions about responsibility.
Priestley critiques this paternalistic behavior and shows how characters like Sheila EVOLVE, breaking free from these SOCIETAL CONSTRAINTS.
âThe famous younger generation who know it all.â
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Birlingâs SARCASTIC remark about Sheila and Eric represents the GENERATIONAL DIVIDE in the play.
His BITTERNESS STEMS from his INABILITY to control or influence the younger generation, who begin to challenge his values and worldview.
Priestley uses this to show the POTENTIAL for change in society, as the younger generation is more open to accepting responsibility and ADVOCATING for FAIRNESS.
âLook, Inspector â Iâd give thousands â yes, thousands.â WHAT IS WRONG ABOUT THIS QUOTE ?
SOCIAL CLASS/ SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Birlingâs desperate offer to pay money after learning about Evaâs death demonstrates his MISUNDERSTANDING of morality.
He believes that FINANCIAL COMPENSATION can solve all problems.
This shows his INABILITY to GRASP the deeper issue of human DIGNITY and the harm caused by his actions.
Priestley uses this moment to critique the hollowness of wealth and power when unaccompanied by genuine compassion and accountability.
list of adjectives to describe Mr Birling in an Essay:
- DISDAIN
-Wealthy capitalist
-Partiach
-Stubborn
-Unempathetic
-Domineering
-Pompous Perspective
-Self-Important
-Unrefined
-Arrogant
-Dismissive
-Immoral
-Static/fixed
-Socially irresponsible
-insecure
-Self-Promoting
-Intimidating
-Antithesis of Inspector (opposite) - Ostentatious ( Really Rude)
âA heavy-looking, rather portentous man in his fifties.â what does this stage direction highlight ?
This description suggests that Mr. Birling has a commanding physical presence, perhaps symbolizing his authority and self-importance. The term âportentousâ suggests he is pompous, with an inflated sense of his own significance. The use of âheavyâ may imply both a literal weight (suggesting physicality) and metaphorical weight, possibly hinting at his rigid, stubborn personality.
analyse the stage direction âHe is rather provincial in his speech.â
The phrase indicates that Mr. Birlingâs accent and way of speaking are marked by a regional or middle-class background, implying that although he is a successful businessman, he has not fully adopted the polished speech associated with the upper classes. This may also reflect his limited worldview, as he holds strong, conservative opinions that donât extend beyond his immediate surroundings.
describe this stage direction âHe is a man of wealth, power, and self-assurance.â
This sets up Mr. Birlingâs character as someone who is confident in his social status. He represents the capitalist, upper-middle-class mindset, believing in the system that elevates him. His self-assurance may lead him to dismiss any ideas that challenge his beliefs, such as the need for social responsibility or the importance of equality.
describe this stage direction âHe is shocked and offended when the Inspector questions his family.â
Mr. Birlingâs reaction to the Inspectorâs questions shows his belief in the sanctity of his familyâs reputation. This shock and offense reveal his preoccupation with social status and the importance he places on public perception. It also highlights his lack of moral integrityâhe is more concerned with the appearance of propriety than with the truth. Antithesis of Inspector GOOLE
âHe is dismissive of the younger generation.â
Mr. Birlingâs dismissive attitude toward his children, particularly when they express socialist ideas, reinforces his conservative nature. He refuses to acknowledge the potential for social change, seeing it as a threat to his wealth and position. His character is a reflection of the complacent, old-fashioned attitudes of the upper classes in the early 20th century. - highlights ostentatious nature
âShow him in here. Give us some more lightâ what theme is present here PEEL
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY/ IRONY
POINT:
Priestley uses the quote âShow him in here. Give us some more lightâ to highlight dramatic irony and the theme of social responsibility.
EVIDENCE:
Mr. Birling says this just before the Inspector enters.
EXPLANATION:
He unknowingly asks for âlightâ or truthâironically inviting the Inspector to expose his familyâs secrets.
EXPLANATION:
This shows Birlingâs arrogance and ignorance, as he thinks heâs in control, but the audience knows heâs not.
LINK:
Priestley uses this moment to criticise the upper class and show their failure to take responsibility for others.
