Social Responsibility - Mr Birling Flashcards

1
Q

How does Mr Birling link to Social Responsibility?

A
  • Antithesis of Priestley’s message of social responsibility.
  • Cares about himself.
  • Never accepts responsibility.
  • His lack of compassion and resp. stem from his class and Capitalist ideologies.
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2
Q

‘As if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense’ (Act 1, Page 10)

A
  • Capitalism vs Socialism.
  • Intolerance of Socialism reflect Political disorder in 1910s, and suggests he is narrow minded.
  • Harsh and insensitive language of ‘all that nonsense’ show heartlessness and disgusted by idea of looking out for others.
  • Simile of ‘like bees in a hive’ imply social responsibility and primitive and demeaning.
  • Phrase of ‘as if’ show he find idea preposterous.
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3
Q

‘A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself - and his family too’ (Act 1, Page 9)

A
  • Family honour.
  • Shows he prioritises himself over the duty to other.
  • Repetition of ‘has to’ shows belief that men are born with an obligation to themselves alone.
  • Delay before ‘and his family too’ suggests even his family come as an afterthought.
  • A blind eye to other people’s issues.
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4
Q

‘Obviously it has nothing to do with this wretched girl’s suicide’ (Act 1, Page 13)

A
  • Rejection of responsibility.
  • Believes his actions are irrelevant because he fired her ‘two years ago’ (Page 17).
  • Shows a simplistic and self-serving view of responsibility which allows people to excuse themselves of blame.
  • ‘Wretched girl’ reveals lack of compassion and blame - he cannot take responsibility because he does not sympathise with Eva.
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5
Q

‘I can’t accept any responsibility’ (Act 1, Page 14)

A
  • Rejection of responsibility.
  • Modal verb ‘can’t’ suggests accepting blame would go against his nature.
  • Shows arrogance and disrespect for others - accepting blame seen as weakness and sign of imperfection.
  • His class controls his beliefs.
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