Mr Birling Quotes Flashcards
“A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself – and his family too, of course.”
Analysis: This highlights Birling’s individualistic and capitalist ideology. He prioritizes self-interest over social responsibility, reflecting Priestley’s criticism of capitalism and its disregard for collective well-being.
“We may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are working together – for lower costs and higher prices.”
Analysis: Birling’s excitement over business expansion shows his profit-driven mentality. The marriage between Sheila and Gerald is seen as a business transaction rather than an act of love, emphasizing his materialistic nature.
“If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.”
Analysis: Birling dismisses workers’ rights and justifies exploitation. His use of “these people” shows classist attitudes, portraying the working class as greedy and undeserving.
“The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else.”
Analysis: He mocks socialist ideas, suggesting they are ridiculous. Priestley presents this as arrogance and ignorance, contrasting it with the Inspector’s socialist ideals.
“Community and all that nonsense.”
Analysis: This blunt dismissal of community responsibility reveals Birling as selfish and short-sighted. Priestley uses this to criticize those who reject social duty.
“If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we’d had nothing to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn’t it?”
Analysis: Birling’s rhetorical question mocks the idea of collective responsibility. However, Priestley presents it ironically, as this attitude leads to the downfall of society in the play.
“I can’t accept any responsibility.”
Analysis: Birling repeatedly refuses accountability, highlighting his moral weakness. This contrasts with Sheila and Eric, who begin to accept their roles in Eva Smith’s demise.
“The Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war.”
“There isn’t a chance of war.”
Analysis: These ironic statements show Birling’s ignorance and complacency. The play, set in 1912 but performed in 1945, makes the audience aware of his incorrect predictions, undermining his credibility.
“The Titanic—she sails next week… and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”
Analysis: Another dramatic irony, as the Titanic famously sank. This highlights Birling’s blind confidence in progress and capitalism, reinforcing Priestley’s critique of arrogance.
“We’re in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity.”
Analysis: In 1912, Britain was on the brink of World War I and the Great Depression. This statement makes Birling seem short-sighted and foolish, emphasizing how those in power often fail to foresee consequences.
“There’ll be a public scandal.”
Analysis: Birling is more concerned about his reputation than morality. He fears public disgrace rather than the suffering of Eva Smith, exposing his selfish nature.
“I was almost certain for a knighthood.”
Analysis: His obsession with status shows his vanity and desire for social climbing. Priestley critiques those who prioritize personal gain over ethics.
“I was almost certain for a knighthood.”
Analysis: His obsession with status shows his vanity and desire for social climbing. Priestley critiques those who prioritize personal gain over ethics.
“You’ve confessed to theft, and now he knows all about it, and he can bring it out at the inquest.”
Analysis: Instead of worrying about Eric’s moral failings, Birling is only concerned about how it might tarnish the family name, reinforcing his superficial values.
“Inspector, I don’t see that it’s any concern of yours how I choose to run my business.”
Analysis: Birling resents external scrutiny, believing his wealth and status place him above accountability.
“Look here, I’m not going to have this, Inspector. You’ll apologise at once.”
Analysis: He demands authority, expecting respect due to his social status. However, the Inspector does not conform, challenging Birling’s sense of superiority.
“Probably a socialist or some sort of crank.”
Analysis: His dismissive attitude towards socialism reinforces Priestley’s critique of capitalism. The play suggests that people like Birling, who reject social change, are responsible for societal injustices.
