Mr Birling Quotes : Capitalism vs Socialism

Question 1

“We may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together - for lower costs and higher prices”

Answer 1

This reveals the true motive behind Sheila’s marriage, which is profit - rather than love

Question 2

“As if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense”

Answer 2

The simile “like bees in a hive” is an attempt by Mr Birling to trivialise the concept of socialism

Question 3

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself”

Answer 3

Here, Mr Birling speaks in the third person in an attempt to create a philosophical element to his speech