Responsibility/Mr Birling Flashcards
“As it happened more than eighteen months ago – nearly two years ago – obviously it has nothing to do with the wretched girl’s suicide.”
The adverb “obviously” is used to emphasise Mr Birling’s arrogance and disregard for his own social responsibility. Priestley does this to continue Mr Birling’s unlikable image.
“I can’t accept any responsibility.”
The use of the adverb “any” reveals Mr Birling’s complete lack of morality, as he believes sacking Eva Smith had no impact on her life, which drove her to suicide.
“If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody… it would be very awkward wouldn’t it?”
Priestley’s use of the adjective “awkward”, coupled with Mr Birling’s self-absorbed character reveals that an increased sense of responsibility for everyone would really only be “awkward” for him. This awkwardness extends to the class and ideology that he represents: capitalist middle-class.
“I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can.”
Priestley uses this sense of urgency as Mr Birling’s reaction to his involvement in Eva Smith’s suicide shows how he is focused solely on the well-being of his own social status, rather than the death of Eva and how his actions contributed to it.
“There’s every excuse for what both your mother and I did.”
Mr Birling separates himself and Mrs Birling, as the older generation, from Eric and Sheila in the younger generation. This diversion of blame onto his children reveals the selfish core of Mr Birling and inability to develop a sense of social responsibility.
“(jovially) But the whole thing’s different now”
Priestley uses the stage direction “(jovially)” to emphasise Mr Birling’s indifference to the well-being of Eva Smith, as “the whole thing’s different now” due to there being no social or legal consequences affecting Mr Birling.
(the Inspector is speaking) “Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges”
Priestley uses the Inspector as a vehicle for socialism, as Mr Birling is reminded of his “responsibilities” and the need to address them.
“It’s one of the happiest nights of my life… your engagement to Shelia means a tremendous lot to me”
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.
“Perhaps I ought to warn you that that [the Chief Constable is] an old friend of mine. We play golf together.”
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.
“I don’t like your tone nor the way you’re handling this enquiry.”
Again, Birling attempts to sway the Inspector and force him to leave by mentioning the irrelevant fact that he doesn’t “like” the Inspector’s tone. This is due to the higher classes, generally, being let off by law enforcement due to association with officers in higher positions.
“I care. I was almost certain for a Knighthood in the next honours list.”
Priestley uses the short sentence “I care” to create a potential turning point, where Mr Birling finally accepts his moral and social responsibility. However, what follows is an anti-climax as Mr Birling’s static nature as a character is reaffirmed. What Mr Birling only cares about is his social position, not the wellbeing of Eva Smith and other employees.
“There’ll be a public scandal… and who here will suffer for that more than I will?”
This rhetorical question is used by Priestley to demonstrate Mr Birling’s self-pity rather than sympathy for Eva Smith. His social status is more valuable to him than his employee’s lives.
“A heavy looking, rather portentous man”
The use of the adjective “portentous” in the stage directions gives an immediate indication of Mr Birling’s self-indulged temperament.
“Alderman for years / Lord Mayor two years ago”
Priestley uses these high-ranking local roles to reveal Mr Birling’s belief that social status transcends law and order.
