Mr Birling - Act 2

Question 1

Quote 1 - As the play progresses, Mr Birling remains…

Answer 1

• As the play progresses, Mr BIrling remains largely unchanged in his attitudes and behaviour, despite the Inspector’s intervention. This is captured in his statement “And I don’t propose to give you much more rope”, which exposes his desire to control the inspector and limit his influence.
• The use of the metaphor highlights the way Birling attempts to restrict the Inspectors power in the interrogation and conveys his authoritarian mindset – he sees interactions in terms of control, not cooperation or truth.
• Priestley uses this moment to highlight Birling’s arrogance and false sense of authority, criticising the upper class’s obsession with power over justice and responsibility.

Question 2

Quote 2 - The rhetorical question “What’s….

Answer 2

• The rhetorical question ”What’ the matter with that child?” reveals Mr Birling’s dismissive attitude towards Sheila’s emotional response, reflecting his patriarchal mindset.
• By referring to her as a “child”, Birling infantilises Sheila and suggests that her concerns are trivial and not worth taking seriously. This highlights his tendency to undermine the younger generation and brings attention to the generational divide.
• Priestley exposes Birling’s lack of empathy and failure to acknowledge the intellectual and moral growth of younger people like Sheila, setting up a contrast between the patronising mindset of the older generation and more progressive mindset of the younger generation.

Question 3

Quote 3 - Mr Birling tries to shut down..

Answer 3

• Mr Birling tries to shut down the conversation about Gerald’s affair with Daisy Renton, by saying “Yes, yes. But I see no point in mentioning the subject – especially – [indicating Sheila]”. He seeks to dismiss the immoral decisions around this affair to prioritise his family’s reputation over the truth. His gesture toward Sheila highlights his desire to silence her, as she is more willing to accept social responsibility. This moment also portrays Birling’s rejection of social responsibility by choosing to avoid the uncomfortable truths.

Question 4

Quote 4 - Mr Birling’s reaction “I protest…

Answer 4

• Mr Birling’s reaction, “I protest against the way in which my daughter, a young unmarried girl, is being dragged into this” highlights his traditional, patriarchal views as he patronises Sheila by treating her as if she is too fragile to handle the situation. His emphasis on her status as a “young, unmarried girl” exposes his concern for her reputation rather than the moral implications.
• Through this, Priestley critiques the way women were often patronised in society, with their thoughts and actions disregarded in favour of preserving status and reputation.