Mr Birling Act 3 Flashcards
”We are members of…” vs ”like bees…”
**”We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other” ** (The Inspector)
vs.
”like bees in a hive”
The Inspector Acts as a Foil to Mr Birling:
The Inspector presents collectivism as a humane idea, through bodily imagery. In contrast, Mr Birling uses zoomorphism to present it as animalistic, absurd and foreign depicting his unwillingness to accept new ideas.
”now look at the pair of them…”
”now look at the pair of them. The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke-“
Designed to be Condemned:
His callousness is apparent through both his acerbic tone and his ability to dismiss the notion of suicide and the exploitation of the working classes as a ”joke”. He ridicules his own children yet it is ironic as he is the only character who claims to ”know it all” with his mentions of the
”unsinkable” Titanic and ”silly little war scares”. Priestley encourages the younger generation of his audience to reject the beliefs of their parents.
The play both begins and ends with…
The play both begins and ends with Mr Birling offering Gerald a drink.
Cyclical Structure and Characterisation:
Priestley presents Mr Birling as stagnant within his capitalism, to metaphorically represent this cycle of immorality the older generation is stuck within. Alcohol is used as a motif of superficial wealth and materialism, but also irresponsibility.
Upon discovering the Inspector is not real, Mr Birling begins…
Upon discovering that the Inspector is not real, Mr Birling begins speaking
“eagerly” and “excitedly”
Moment of Catharsis:
He feels intense excitement when he realises his reputation and status are no longer at threat. It is pitiful how closely intertwined his emotions are with his status.
He speaks and behaves…
He speaks and behaves “triumphantly”
Moment of Catharsis:
The adverb “triumphantly” connotes to the notion of winning a battle, Priestley is presenting capitalist ideologies as synonymous with a propensity (inclination to) warfare – something that would be greatly condemned by his contemporary audience.
