Arthur Birling

?
A friend of mine went over this new liner last week - the Titanic - she sails next week
Symbolically, just as the Titanic is destined to sink, so too is Birling's political ideology, under the Inspector's interrogation.
1 of 5
But take my word for it, you youngsters - and I've learnt in the good hard school of experience
According to him, experience proves that his point of view is correct, in contrast to the possibly more idealistic "youngsters."
2 of 5
GERALD [laughs]: You seem to be a nice well-behaved family - BIRLING: We think we are -
Coming early in the play, these lines also exemplify Priestley's love of dramatic irony: the last thing the Birlings have been is well-behaved. These lines also suggest the alliance between Gerald and Birling, two men who share the same values, whose
3 of 5
"it's exactly the same port your father gets."
he is aware of people who are his social superiors, which is why he shows off about the port to Gerald
4 of 5
"I've got to cover this up as soon as I can."
He wants to protect his reputation. As the Inspector's investigations continue, his selfishness gets the better of him: he is worried about how the press will view the story in Act II
5 of 5

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

According to him, experience proves that his point of view is correct, in contrast to the possibly more idealistic "youngsters."

Back

But take my word for it, you youngsters - and I've learnt in the good hard school of experience

Card 3

Front

Coming early in the play, these lines also exemplify Priestley's love of dramatic irony: the last thing the Birlings have been is well-behaved. These lines also suggest the alliance between Gerald and Birling, two men who share the same values, whose

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

he is aware of people who are his social superiors, which is why he shows off about the port to Gerald

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

He wants to protect his reputation. As the Inspector's investigations continue, his selfishness gets the better of him: he is worried about how the press will view the story in Act II

Back

Preview of the back of card 5

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar English Literature resources:

See all English Literature resources »See all An Inspector Calls resources »