Mr Birling Flashcards
In the quote “A man has to make his own way-has to look after himself- and his family too of course” from act one what two rhetorical devices are used? And what are they?
1-Rhetorical repetition- Repetition in a speech
2- Antithetical structure- The sentence structure being the opposite way than it should be, parallels ideas through grammar
In the quotes “A man has to make his own way-has to look after himself- and his family too of course” What is the effect of the use of an antithetical structure?
The use of an antithetical structure shows juxtaposition between “His own way” and “His family too” to reflect Mr Birlings parsimonious mindset and to amplify the exploitative mindset of capitalism and how familial bonds are merely transactional
In the quote “A man has to make his own way-has to look after himself- and his family too of course” What is the effect of the use of rhetorical repetition?
Rhetorical repetition of “Has to” emphasises the unscrupulous and immoral laissez faire philosophy of Mr Birling who is a microcosm of the bourgeois.
Also underscores his remorseless self interest highlighting his detachment form collective social conscience
What context can you link to the quote “A man has to make his own way-has to look after himself- and his family too of course”?
1- The Edwardian class system, was entrenched in stark divisions between the bourgeois and the proletariat perpetuating exploitative practices
2-War, Post WW1 disillusionment prompted calls for social change and greater equality
What theme is presented in the quote “A man has to make his own way-has to look after himself- and his family too of course
Capitalism vs socialism- Mr birling is a microcosm to the bourgeois and the use of the antithetical structure emulates his personal thoughts as well as mirrors the parsimonious and unscrupulous capitalist views of the bourgeois
What two rhetorical devices are used in the quote “There’ll be a public scandal”?
1-Euhamistic language thorough “Scandal” belittles the death of Eva Smith as well as dehumanises her in order to reframe the gravity of the situation
2-Dramatic irony- the audience positioned in 1945 understands the full extent of societys reform and will see Eva Smith as an equal, Rightfully villifies Mr Birling
How does Priestley use Dramatic irony in the quote “There’ll be a public scandal” ?
Priestley critiques the nouveau riche class’s exploitative and insular priorities
How is Mr. Birlings character presented throughout the play?
Mr. Birling is presented as a stagnant character persisting in his individualistic outlook and refusing to progress morally and socially
Mrs. Birlings character also parallels this outlook
What theme is presented in the quotation “There’ll be a public scandal”
1-Older vs younger generation, Mr. Birling is highlighted as a stagnant character this contrasts to the positive change seen in the characters of Sheila and Eric towards a socialist outlook
Which two rhetorical devices are used in the quotation “The way these cranks talk and write you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else” ?
1- Satire
2-Irony
What is the effect of satire int he quote “The way these cranks talk and write you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else”?
Priestley employs a satirical tone to expose Mr Birlings monolithic worldview and his dismissal of social responsibility
What is the effect Of the use of Irony in the quotation “The way these cranks talk and write you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else”?
Mr. Birling derides the idea of social responsibility and the inspector later demonstrates the detrimental affects of ignoring this interconnectedness through their roles in Eva Smiths death
What Rhetorical devices are used in the quote “I’ve got to cover this up as soon as i can”
1-Dramatic Irony
2-Imperaive language
In the quote “I’ve got to cover this up as soon as i can” What is the effect of the use of dramatic irony?
It underscores Birlings remorseless attitude as he is more concerned about his reputation than moral accountability, also highlights his unscrupulous desire to preserve his bourgeois status revealing his unwillingness to accept collective social conscience
In the quote “I’ve got to cover this up as soon as i can” What is the effect of the use of Imperative language?
It reflects Birling’s urgency and dehumanising dismissal of Eva Smiths suffering, it highlights his stagnation as a character becoming a dramatic vehicle for Priestley to critique the exploitative upper class and their resistance to emancipation for the proletariat
