Mr Birling Flashcards
Arthur seems to be pretty pleased with himself
He’s a successful and ambitious businessman:
-writers technique- Priestley uses dramatic irony to make B optimism seem foolish and short-sighted. This undermines his authority
He won’t accept responsibility for the death of Eva Smith
Theme-social responsibility:
Birling dismisses the idea of social responsibility. He calls people like Goole “cranks”
Birling likes to be respected-he wants to be in control
Underneath it all , Birling is an anxious man
Theme-social class:
B a wealthy businessman , but it was more Prestigious to come from an “old county family” like the Croats, that had land, inherited wealth and titles(e.g, ‘lord’ and ‘lady’
Birling uses authorities langauge to be in control :
-priestly uses stage directions and careful language choices to help create Birling’s character
Describe Mr Birling
