Mr Birling

Created by: Eiman.123
Created on: 31-10-20 11:11

'Giving us the port, Edna? That's right'
-Mr Birling, Act 1

He displays his authority-he expects his orders to be obeyed.
The phrase 'that's right' seems as if he is reassuring himself that Edna will obey; representing typical attitudes of middle/lower. 'That's right' could show he is approving her actions

1 of 8

'When Crofts and Birlings are working together for lower costs and higher prices.'
-Arthur Birling, Act 1

The marriage between Sheila and Gerald is also a business alliance that will allow Arthur's business to prosper further. This could suggest Arthur cares for Sheila, but is more engrossed towards the financial benefits of the marriage

2 of 8

'The Titanic, unsinkable-absolutely unsinkable.'

Arthur clearly exhibits ignorance as he believes it is 'absolutely unsinkable.' However, this is understandable as those like Arthur shared similar beliefs, but this dramatic irony is important as it highlights how he wanted to believe what he chose to

3 of 8

'Just a knighthood, of course.'

Mr Birling clearly wants to impress Gerald as Gerald is higher than him socially. However, Arthur declares it's 'just a knighthood' in a modest manner, perhaps to indicate that it would seem a little honour in front of Gerald

4 of 8

'As if we were all mixed together, like bees in a hive.'

The truth is, everyone is mixed together, but class and society has divided everyone
'Bees' work together, sharing similar aims. However, Arthur clearly disagrees with this as he claims 'as if.'

5 of 8

'A man has to mind his own business, and look after himself and his own-and-'

Arthur believes a man should work and provide for himself, and not focus on how other's are doing.
However, the dash shows he is clearly cut off. This could symbolically indicate how those like Arthur didn't realise socialism was emerging.

6 of 8

'Still, I can't accept any responsibility.'

Each link of the chain ('chain of events') contributed to Eva's suicide
Mr Birling understands the reasonable words of the Inspector, however fails to admit responsibility.
It is ironic how he can't accept 'any' thing, but he started everything

7 of 8

'I was an alderman for years, and Lord Mayor two years ago.'

Arthur is trying to intimidate the Inspector by boasting his achievements. Could possibly highlight how Arthur believes that his power and position can compensate for what he did for Eva

8 of 8

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Back

'When Crofts and Birlings are working together for lower costs and higher prices.'
-Arthur Birling, Act 1

Card 3

Front

Back

Card 4

Front

Back

Card 5

Front

The truth is, everyone is mixed together, but class and society has divided everyone
'Bees' work together, sharing similar aims. However, Arthur clearly disagrees with this as he claims 'as if.'

Back

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Mr Birling