Mr birling

a heavy-looking,

rather portentous man

Mr. Birling's demeanour, suggesting he is self-important and pompous, acting with an unnecessary sense of formality to impress others. Shows his inflated sense of self-worth

I'm talking as a hard-headed,

practical man of business

takes pride no sensitivity or empathy

lower costs

and higher prices

• "The Titanic /..../

• unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable."

• Dramatic irony – audience knows it sank; undermines his authority

• Arrogant tone – overconfidence in his beliefs

• Symbolism – Titanic represents capitalist hubris

• "A man has to make his own way -

• has to look after himself"

• Capitalist ideology – self-interest over community

• Anaphora – “his own... his own” reinforces selfishness

• Contrasts Inspector’s message – no social responsibility

I was Lord Mayor here two years ago...

there’s a very good chance of a knighthood

Self-aggrandisement – pride in status

• Symbolism – knighthood = obsession with class and reputation

• Tone – boastful and insecure

• "If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody (….)

• , it would be very awkward."

• Hyperbole – exaggerates the idea of shared responsibility

• Dismissive tone – mocks the Inspector’s message

• Irony – he says this while being very responsible

• "I can't accept

any responsibility.

• Short, firm statement – reveals denial

• Theme – refusal to acknowledge guilt

• Tone – defensive and self-justifying

Probably a socialist

or some sort of crank

• Pejorative language – “crank” is used to undermine and mock alternative (especially socialist) viewpoints.

• Dismissive tone – reveals Mr. Birling’s arrogance and closed-mindedness.

• Political bias – attacks the Inspector’s message by attacking his presumed ideology, not addressing his points.

The famous younger generation who

know it all. And they can’t even take a joke

• Sarcasm – dismisses Sheila and Eric’s morality

• Generational divide – entrenched in outdated views

• Tone – bitter and resistant to change