lit quotes - Mr Birling

How does Mr Birlign view his daughters engagement

He treats Sheila’s engagement as a business deal to strengthen ties with the Croft family

Which quote shows the possibility that Mr Birling cares for Sheila

“Why the devil do you want to go upsetting the child like that “ “ This is one of the happiest nights of my life “ - Sheila’s engagement

How does Mr Birling demonstrate wealth and social class to Gerald in Act 1

“Its exactly the same port your father gets from them” Sees himself as on par with the croft family, sharing similar expensive taste, suggesting that instead of fostering true connections he associates himself with them only to earn more profit

How does Priestley use dramatic irony to make Mr Birling seem foolish

Confident war and titanic predictions - making him seem out of touch as he asserts his views as the absolute truth as he is the representation of short-sighted , self important capitalist elite whose arrogance blinds them to reality

What major historic event contradicts Birling’s claim about the Titanic

The “ Unsinkable” Titanic sinks

How does Birling show overconfidence in his predictions

He confidently declares that “ The Germans don’t want war” and “ that the Titanic is absolutely “ Unsinkable” which the audience knows that both are false

How does Birling assert his authority in conversations

He frequently interrupts conversations showing his need for control

Why is Birling more concerned about a scandal than Eva’s death

He fears a scandal in his public image - highlighting his self centeredness

How does Birling’s attitude toward social class shape his worldview

He believes wealth and status determines someone’s worth

How does Birling reinforce gender expectations in his relationship with his daughter Sheila

He views women as delicate and naive , objectifies them and sees them as superficial beings. “ clothes mean something quite different to a women” - how a woman dresses herself and her outward appearance determines her self-worth

How does Birling’s refusal to accept blame contrast with his children

Birling refuses to accept responsibility in his actions whereas Sheila and Eric recognise their role in Evas suffering

Why is Birling’s representation of a capitalistic businessman so bad for society

Prioritises profit over people , leading to exploitation of working class and being seen as expandable in terms of profits. Dismisses workers rights

What effect does Birling’s speech style have on the audience

he delivers long winded monlogues and pompous speeches making him seem self-important and foolish

How does Priestley present Mr Birling as a warning to his audience

The moral consequence of capitalism, their disregard for the needy and their “every man for themself” mindset. Contributing the the suffering of the working class

How does Mr Birling react when he believe the inspector was a hoax

He’s relieved, focusing on his reputation rather than reflecting

Which quote shows his dismissive attitude toward the younger generation

“ The famous younger generation who know it all, now look at the pair of them can’t even take a joke “

What does Birling’s final reaction reveal about him

He learns nothing from the events reinforcing Preistley’s message of the stubborness of the upper class

Why does Mr Birling label himself as a “ Hard headed businessman”

Portrays himself as a logical , rational person , justifying his actions

What effect does Priestley mean to leave on the audience through Mr Birling saying “ You’ll hear some people saying war is inevitable and i say to that - fiddlesticks!”

Shows his hubris and flawed judgement creating dramatic irony

When Mr Birling says “ No one wants war, except some half-civilised folks in the Balkans”

Shows his ignorance over the political and social dynamics in the area at the time. He doesn’t understand the severity of their tension. His dismissive characterisation of its inhabitants as foolish shows his dangerous level of ignorance. His sweeping generalisation shows an arrogance that allows him to dismiss entire groups of people and their concerns. The phrase he used is also inherently prejudiced revealing a belief of the superiority of his own culture and being quick to judge people from another region and apply a negative label to them. Demonstrating the ethnocentric attitude at the time

“ There’ll be peace and prosperity and rapid progression everywhere - except in Russia of cource “

The ignorance and fragility of his worldview

Describing Eva Smith : “ She was a lively good looking country bred “

his patronising and objectifying view of women , seeing them as objects

Denying his role in Eva's fate to the Inspector, Mr. Birling claims, "I can't accept any responsibility. If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we'd had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn't it?" 

This indicates his core belief in individualism, his desire to wash his hands of all responsibility and lack of inclination to see how capitalism fails to care for the most needy in society. For Mr. Birling, responsibility is not a moral imperative but a social inconvenience. He views it as something to be avoided, a disruption to his comfortable existence. The word "awkward" trivializes the gravity of the situation. It suggests that taking responsibility is merely a matter of social discomfort, rather than a matter of ethical obligation.

Speaking to the Inspector about Eva Smith's actions, Mr. Birling says, "She'd had a lot to say—far too much —so she had to go." This reveals his view on women in the workplace.

supression of female voice. : He saw Eva Smiths assertiveness as an unacceptable transgression , as a threat to his authority . “ A lot to say” is referred to as something negative as he believes women should be submissive and compliant . Power imbalance and control : Highlights imbalance of men and women during the Edwardian era. He views women as inferior who should not question on challenge his decisions. Mr Birling feels entitled to control Eva Smith just because he has the power to dismissal of female agency . hierarchial view : Men held positions of power while women were expected to be subservient . He saw his workplace as his domain and would not accept any challenges to his authority

“They’d soon be asking for the Earth”

 This highlights his view on the working class -  his contempt and fear of their perceived greed.