Words To Describe Mr Birling

Question 1

Flippant

Answer 1

Means - being disrespectful

Question 2

Bigoted

Answer 2

Means - unreasonable attached to an opinion

Question 3

Conceited

Answer 3

Means - excessively proud / vain

Question 4

Obstinate

Answer 4

Means - stubbornly refusing to change your opinion

Question 5

Egotistical

Answer 5

Means - conceited, self-centred, self-absorbed

Question 6

How is he flippant?

Answer 6

Flippant attitude towards the Inspector and the inspection itself
Flippant about Eva’s death - no emotional response
Flippant about the Inspector’s message of value and importance of socialism
Flippant about threat of war / wilfully ignorant
Repetition of ‘silly’ (talking about war) shows flippant and dismissive attitude

Question 7

How is he bigoted?

Answer 7

Stubborn and convinced he is right he will not accept any responsibility for his actions
‘Just let me finish Eric you have a lot to learn yet’ cuts off Eric’s opinion- not a loving relationship
Has not brought up his children to be comfortable to express their relationship
Birling household becomes an echo chamber of Mr Birling capitalist views + opinions

Question 8

How is he conceited?

Answer 8

Constantly mentions his opportunity for night hood
‘Hard-headed business man’ - he is overly proud
Self-man man wasn’t born into the aristocracy like Eric + Sheila

Question 9

How is he obstinate?

Answer 9

Fixated on maintaining social hierarchy and status quo that he is entirely unreceptive (both parents)

Question 10

How is he egotistical?

Answer 10

Self-centred and full of himself

Question 11

Hypocrite

Answer 11

Willing to work together (with Gerald) as long as it benefits him and not anyone else