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Description
Flashcards by Laiba Khan, updated more than 1 year ago
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Created by Laiba Khan
about 6 years ago
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| Question | Answer |
| "And I say there isn’t a chance of war. The world's developing so fast that it'll make war impossible." | Mr Birling is confident that there will not be a war, saying that 'there isn't a chance of war' and then repeating this idea when he considers it 'impossible'. His arrogance and pride are made very clear. He’s opinionated and outspoken. |
| “...clothes mean something quite different to a woman….but a sort of sign or token of their self-respect." | Mr Birling makes some old-fashioned and patronising points about women. This shows that he is quite sexist by suggesting that clothes are somehow more important to women as they are mindful of their appearance. |
| "...we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together - for lower costs and higher prices." | Mr Birling is a business man whose main concern is making money. This is what is most important to him and he comes across as being greedy. It is clear here that Mr Birling is driven by money, he is a capitalist. The fact that he sees his daughter's engagement as a chance to push for 'lower costs and higher prices' shows just how greedy he is. He does not consider the impact 'higher prices' might have on the working class, he just wants more money. |
| "Is there any reason why my wife should answer questions from you, Inspector?" | On a number of occasions Mr Birling refers to things and people as being 'his'. He emphasises that Sybil is 'his' wife suggesting that he sees her as a possession. He does not allow Sybil to talk for herself showing that he is a part of the patriarchal society and in control of their relationship. |
| "My duty is to keep labour costs down" | Use of the pronoun 'my' shows his arrogance, 'duty' suggests he feels an obligation to do this. It further proves his greed for money as he wants to pay less in order to make more money. |
| "Does that satisfy you? So I refused." | Asks a question and then answers it himself. Not interested in the views of others. He is self-cantered and likes to only hear his own voice. “I refused” - short, sharp sentence. Mr Birling is being dismissive of the requests of his employees, which was a pay rise. Could also carry connotations that he is dismissing the idea of socialism. |
| "It's a free country" | He said this to Eva when he asked for a rise in their wages.It shows his capitalist views. It shows that Birling does not understand how hard it is for people like Eva Smith to find work. It might be 'free' for someone who has money and power, however, Eva Smith had neither. |
| "A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own" | A very selfish man, who want to look after himself and his family. Also, implies that he doesn’t care about other for example his workers, he only cares for himself. Furthermore, connoting that money is his first priority. |
| "[unhappily]: Look, Inspector - I'd give thousands - yes, thousands-" | This carries connotations that he believes that money can fix everything, he values money more than people: which also proves his greed and love for money. Unhappy as he is worried about the truth coming out into the society. |
| “Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable” | Mr Birling says that the titanic is “unsinkable”- dramatic irony as the titanic sank. This shows that he has a firm belief in his words. |
| "I can't accept any responsibility." | This shows that he isn’t ready to accept his mistake and take on board any guilt. He is remorseless and “hard headed”. Could illustrate that he cares about his reputation in society, therefore, doesn’t want any blame. His pride is getting in the way and his pride is his down fall. |
| “If you don’t come down hard on these people they’d soon be asking for the earth.” | This further proves his capitalist views. He believes that he has to be in control of the working class people to stop them from rebelling which reflects the attitude of the Edwardian upper class people and how they looked down on the working class. |
| “Nothing to do with you, Sheila. Run along” | Again reflects his patronising and sexist views on women. He believes that women shouldn’t take interest in matters that don’t regard them. |
| “I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can” | Connotes that he is constantly concerned about his reputation and status in society. He is worried that his chances of getting the knighthood are very slim. Verb “cover” could show that he has to put on a mask and pretend that he has nothing to do with this/ pretend that it is a false rumour. |
| “You’ll have a good laugh over it yet” | This suggest that he has not changed and that he believes all of this was a stupid prank. He dismisses the matter from his mind in seconds. He sounds relieved as now he doesn't have to worry about his status in society. |
| “A heavy-looking, rather portentous man” | Priestley describes Birling as a self-made man who has worked his way up and is proud of his achievements; and rather pompous with an air of self-importance. |
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