Mr Birling quotes : Self-absorbed

Question 1

“It’s one of the happiest nights of my life … your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me”

Answer 1

The selfish nature of Mr Birling is revealed by the use of the personal pronoun ‘me’ and ‘my life’. The emphasis on Mr Birling’s own life is due to his own reputation and social status increasing after Sheila’s marriage to Gerald. In reality, it matters not whether Sheila and Gerald are happily married

Question 2

“Perhaps i ought to warn you that the (Chief Constable) is an old friend of mine. We play golf together

Answer 2

Mr Birling attempts to intimidate the Inspector through the verb “warn”. The belief that association with the Chief Constable puts Mr Birling above the law epitomises the need for greater social justice and responsibility

Question 3

“Alderman for years / Lord Mayor two years ago”

Answer 3

Priestley uses these high-ranking local roles to reveal Mr Birling’s belief that social staus transcends law and order