Mr Birling quotes : Insecurity

Question 1

” Provincial in his speech”

Answer 1

The adjective “provincial” is used to show the low-class origins of Mr Birling. He has to compensate for his lower-class accent with material possessions

Question 2

“You ought to like this port, Gerald it’s exactly the same port your father gets”

Answer 2

The verb “ought” reveals Mr Birling’s insecurities regarding social status: he is hesitant to command Gerald (who is of a higher class) like he would command Eric

Question 3

“There’s a fair chance that i may find myself into the next honours list”

Answer 3

Mr Birling’s insecurity is revealed by his feeling of inadequacy due to his lower social status, compared to the Crofts. Therefore, he feels the need to compensate with boasts of potential knighthood

Question 4

“There’s a fair chance that i may find myself into the next honours list”

Answer 4

Mr Birling’s insecurity is revealed by his feeling of inadequacy due to his lower social status, compared to the Crofts. Therefore, he feels the need to compensate with boasts of potential knighthood