Quotes AIC

Question 1

Mr Birling:
I’m talking as a … there isn’t a chance of war
Say AO1, AO2 and AO3

Answer 1

hard-headed, practical man of business
AO1: Mr. Birling expresses his belief that war is unlikely. He portrays himself as a pragmatic businessman with a firm grasp on reality.
AO2: This quote highlights Mr. Birling’s arrogance and overconfidence. It serves as dramatic irony because the play is set just before World War I, making his assertion appear short sighted. This reflects the play’s theme of social responsibility and the consequences of ignorance.
AO3: Mr. Birling’s certainty about the absence of war is a form of dramatic irony that criticizes the complacency and ignorance of the upper class in Edwardian England. It underscores the play’s message about societal issues and the consequences of one’s actions.

Question 2

Mr Birling:
I’ve got to … as soon as I can
Say AO1, AO2 and AO3

Answer 2

cover this up
AO1: Mr. Birling wants to hide or suppress information quickly.
AO2: This quote reveals Mr. Birling’s fear of scandal and his strong desire to protect his reputation and social standing. It shows his willingness to go to great lengths to avoid public embarrassment.
AO3: Mr. Birling’s intention to cover up the situation highlights the play’s theme of hypocrisy and superficiality among the upper class. It also sets the stage for the Inspector’s investigation and the unfolding of the Birling family’s secrets, driving the narrative.

Question 3

Mr Birling:
working for lower … and higher …
Say AO1, AO2 and AO3

Answer 3

costs, prices
AO1: Mr. Birling is discussing his business practices, where he seeks to reduce costs and increase prices.
AO2: This quote exposes Mr. Birling’s self-serving attitude and lack of social responsibility. He prioritizes profit over the welfare of his employees, suggesting that he is unconcerned about the consequences of his actions on the working class.
AO3: Mr. Birling’s comments here exemplify the play’s critique of capitalism and the callousness of the upper class towards the lower classes. This quote serves as a scathing indictment of his character and the societal values of his time, contributing to the play’s overall message about social justice and moral responsibility.

Question 4

Mr Birling:
I can’t accept …
Say AO1, AO2 and AO3

Answer 4

any responsibility
AO1: In this quote, Mr. Birling is explicitly stating that he refuses to accept any responsibility for his actions or their consequences. He is unwilling to acknowledge any wrongdoing on his part
AO2: This quote reveals Mr. Birling’s refusal to take responsibility for his actions, particularly in the context of the Inspector’s investigation and the revelations that have come to light. It emphasizes his lack of moral accountability and contributes to the play’s central theme of social irresponsibility among the upper class.
AO3: Mr. Birling’s statement, “I can’t accept any responsibility,” serves to highlight his character’s moral bankruptcy and underscores the play’s critique of the upper-class attitudes of his time. It showcases the consequences of his unwillingness to acknowledge the impact of his actions on others and contributes to the overall message of social justice and responsibility in the play.

Question 5

Mr Birling:
Who will … than I will
Say AO1, AO2 and AO3

Answer 5

suffer more from this
AO1: Mr. Birling is referring to potential consequences and is implying that he will bear the brunt of any negative outcomes.
AO2: This statement underscores Mr. Birling’s self-centered nature. He believes that any repercussions from his actions will primarily affect him, failing to recognize the broader impact on society, especially the working class. It reflects his lack of empathy and social responsibility.
AO3: Mr. Birling’s comment here is indicative of his character’s selfishness and short-sightedness. It serves to highlight the play’s central themes of social inequality and the need for collective responsibility. By emphasizing his own supposed suffering, Mr. Birling exemplifies the callousness and moral bankruptcy of the upper class in Edwardian England, contributing to the play’s critique of societal values and attitudes.