MR BIRLING 🎩 Flashcards
What does it tell us about Mr Birlings character when he says “a man has to make his own way - has to look after himself” ?
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 ? “Giving us the port Edna?”
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 “hard headed business man” and “hard headed, practical man of business” show about MR Bs character ? what is presitly highlighting?
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
“A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself – and his family too, of course…” what does MR B Show here?
his quote encapsulates Mr. Birling’s CAPITALIST IDEOLIGY and belief in INDIVIDUALISM. He PRIORITISES self-interest and suggests that people are responsible only for their own well-being.
The phrase “and his family too, of course” appears like an afterthought, reflecting his self-centered nature.
What does this dramatic irony emphasise about MR Bs character ? “The Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war.”
This quote demonstrates Mr. Birling’s 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 Priestley’s criticism of short-sighted attitudes among the WEALTHY and those in power, who FAILED to FORSEE the consequences of THEIR ACTIONS.
“The Titanic… unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.” 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 “unsinkable” emphasizes Birling’s 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. Birling’s IGNORANCE highlights his DETACHMENT from reality.
“If you don’t come down sharply on these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.”
WHAT DOES THIS QUOTE SHOW ABOUT MR BIRLINGS CAPITALIST VIEWS?
Here, Birling expresses his DISDAIN for the working class and JUSTIFIES his HARSH treatment of Eva Smith.
The phrase “these people” 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.
“I can’t accept any responsibility.”
This REFUSAL to take ACCOUNTABILITY for his actions exemplifies Birling’s 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 Inspector’s message.
“Community and all that nonsense.” What does this show about Mr Birlings naivety and idiocy ?
This DISMISSIVE statement REVEALS Birling’s REJECTION of socialist ideals and his belief in INDIVIDUALISM and SELF RELIANCE. HE IS ALIEN TO ACCEPTANCE OF OTHERS
Priestley portrays Birling as the EMBODIMENT of capitalist ARROGANCE, contrasting his views with the Inspector’s ADVOCACY for COLLECTIVE responsibility.
By RIDICULING the idea of “community,” Birling ALIENATES himself from the play’s MORAL CENTRE, making him a target for the audience’s criticism.
“I was an alderman for years – and Lord Mayor two years ago – and I’m still on the Bench.” WHAT DOES THIS CONTRIBUTE TO THE UPPER CLASS THEME OF THE PLAY ? AND MR BIRLINGS CHARACTER
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 ? “There’s every excuse for what your mother and I did.”
Birling’s attempt to JUSTIFY his actions shows his REFUSAL to learn or change.
This CONTRASTS sharply with the younger characters, particularly Sheila and Eric, who RECOGNISE the harm caused by their BEHAVIOUR . OLD BLOOD > NEW BLOOD
Priestley uses Birling’s STUBBORNNESS to show the DANGERS of IGNORING moral responsibility and the need for SOCIETAL REFORM.
“Probably a socialist or some sort of crank.”
This DISMISSIVE comment about the Inspector REFLECTS Birling’s DISDAIN for SOCIALIST ideas and his INABILITY to ENGAGE with PERSPECTIVES that challenge his WORLDVIEW.
The term “crank” suggests his ARROGANCE and UNWILLINGNESS to take the Inspector’s MESSAGE seriously, which further ALIENATES him from the audience.
Priestley uses this to emphasize the GENERATIONAL DIVIDE and the resistance of the older, wealthier class to change.
“We’re in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity.”
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ?
This is another example of dramatic irony, as the audience knows that the period following 1912 saw SIGNIFICANT economic challenges, including the Great Depression.
Birling’s 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.
“She’d had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go.” THIS IS SAID TO EVA SMITH , WHAT DOES THIS INDICATE ABOUT MR BS DEMEANOUR
This comment about Eva Smith highlights Birling’s AUTHORITARIAN and PATRIARCHAL attitude. He DISMISSES her as INSOLENT simply for standing up for fair wages.
The phrase “far too much” 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.
“Nothing to do with you, Sheila. Run along.”
This quote reflects Birling’s 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 Sheila’s 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.
“The famous younger generation who know it all.”
Birling’s 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.
“Look, Inspector – I’d give thousands – yes, thousands.” WHAT IS WRONG ABOUT THIS QUOTE ?
Birling’s desperate offer to pay money after learning about Eva’s 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:
-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)
“A heavy-looking, rather portentous man in his fifties.” 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 “portentous” suggests he is pompous, with an inflated sense of his own significance. The use of “heavy” may imply both a literal weight (suggesting physicality) and metaphorical weight, possibly hinting at his rigid, stubborn personality.
analyse the stage direction “He is rather provincial in his speech.”
The phrase indicates that Mr. Birling’s 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 don’t extend beyond his immediate surroundings.
describe this stage direction “He is a man of wealth, power, and self-assurance.”
This sets up Mr. Birling’s 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 “He is shocked and offended when the Inspector questions his family.”
Mr. Birling’s reaction to the Inspector’s questions shows his belief in the sanctity of his family’s 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 integrity—he is more concerned with the appearance of propriety than with the truth. Antithesis of Inspector GOOLE
“He is dismissive of the younger generation.”
Mr. Birling’s 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
