Mr Birling - Quotes Flashcards
Act One: A phrase to describe Mr. Birling
‘(heavy-looking, rather portentous man)’
Act One: Mr. Birling thinks that he knows everything because he has his own business
‘I speak as a hard-headed business man’
Act One: What Mr. Birling thinks about the Germans
‘The Germans don’t want war’
Act One: What Mr. Birling thinks about war
‘I say there isn’t a chance of war’
Act One: Mr. Birling thinks that he knows everything and Eric knows nothing
‘You’ve a lot to learn yet’ (about Eric)
Act One: What Mr. Birling thinks about the Titanic
‘Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable’
Act One: Mr. Birling is used to being nagged by his wife, but he still over rules what she says, even though she is his social superior
‘Yes, my dear, I know - I’m talking too much’
Act One: This quote from Mr. Birling foreshadows what is about to happen
‘There’s a very good chance of a knighthood - so long as we behave ourselves’
Act One: This shows Mr. Birling’s capitalist views about how you should live your life
‘A man has to make his own way’
Act One: Mr Birling’s views on community
‘Community and all that nonsense’
Act One: Mr Birling thinks that you should keep yourself to yourself and not get involved with other people’s business
‘A man has to mind his own business and look after himself’
Act One: Mr Birling appears to be very unsympathetic about Eva
‘Wretched girl’s suicide’
Act One: Mr. Birling refuses to take any blame for what has happened
‘I can’t accept any responsibility’
Act Two: Mr. Birling makes excuses for Gerald’s bad behaviour because Sheila marrying Gerald would be good for Mr. Birling’s business
‘But you must understand that a lot of young men-‘
Act Two: IG tries to put Mr. Birling in his place, saying how public men have more than just good luck
‘Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges’ (IG)
