Mr Birling Qutes Flashcards
What is Mr. Birling’s perspective on business?
He identifies as a hard-headed practical man of business
This reflects his capitalist viewpoint.
What does Mr. Birling say about war?
‘Fiddlesticks! War is inevitable’
This shows his dismissive attitude towards the seriousness of conflict.
What does Mr. Birling claim about the Titanic?
‘The Titanic - she sails next week…and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable!’
This illustrates his overconfidence and foreshadows disaster.
What does Mr. Birling believe a man must do?
A man has to make his own way and look after himself
This encapsulates his individualistic philosophy.
How does Mr. Birling view community responsibility?
‘As if we were all mixed up like bees in a hive… community and all that nonsense.’
This indicates his rejection of collective responsibility.
What positions has Mr. Birling held?
Alderman, Lord Mayor, and still on the Bench
This shows his status and influence in society.
How does Mr. Birling justify his actions to the Inspector?
‘There’s every excuse for what your mother and I did’
This reflects his self-justifying nature.
What does Mr. Birling call the Inspector?
‘Probably a Socialist or some sort of crank’
This highlights his contempt for differing ideologies.
What is Mr. Birling’s view of the younger generation?
He sees them as the ‘famous younger generation who know it all’
This displays his dismissive attitude towards youth.
What structural feature is prominent in Mr. Birling’s dialogue?
Long monologues
This emphasizes his need to dominate conversations.
What is a key language feature of Mr. Birling’s character?
Dramatic irony
This creates tension between his words and the audience’s knowledge.
How does Mr. Birling react when the Inspector arrives?
His language changes to short, sharp fragments
This indicates his growing anxiety.
What does the shift from ‘I’ to ‘we’ signify in Mr. Birling’s dialogue?
It diminishes the scale of the problem and shifts blame
This reflects his attempt to evade responsibility.
What type of language does Mr. Birling use to convey his authority?
Colloquial language
This is appropriate for the time but shows his declining control.
What does Mr. Birling’s panic indicate at the end of the play?
His bravado has been shattered
This allows the audience to see his vulnerability.
How does Priestley depict Mr. Birling in terms of capitalist ideology?
As a symbol of the callousness and heartlessness of capitalism
This serves as a critique of capitalist values.
What does Mr. Birling’s use of euphemisms suggest?
His reluctance to address taboo subjects directly
This reflects societal norms of the time.
True or False: Mr. Birling believes in collective responsibility.
False
He often dismisses the idea of looking after others.
Fill in the blank: Mr. Birling’s character represents the _______ generation unwilling to change.
older
This highlights the resistance to new ideas and social progress.
What does Mr. Birling claim about his character?
He describes himself as a hard-headed practical man of business.
How does Mr. Birling react to the idea of war?
‘Fiddlesticks!’
What does Mr. Birling say about the Titanic?
‘The Titanic sails next week…and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable!’
What does Mr. Birling believe a man must do?
A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself - and his family too, of course.
How does Mr. Birling feel about the Inspector’s visit?
‘Horrid business. But I don’t understand why you should come here.’
