Mr Birling

• Who is the character that represents the English social elite in the play?

  Mr. Birling
• What does the term "ante-bellum" refer to in the context of the play?


  It means before the war.
• In what year is the play set?

  1912
• What societal structure is depicted in Mr. Birling's character?

  • Static society: poor stay poor, rich stay rich
  • Patriarchal role as owner of Birling and Co.
  • Indifference to social issues affecting lower classes
• How does Mr. Birling's role as a business owner reflect his societal position?


  He employs young women at low wages, showcasing his patriarchal dominance.
• What does Mr. Birling's marriage to Mrs. Birling signify about his character?


  It reflects his control over his household and his patriarchal values.
• How does Mr. Birling respond to his daughter's concerns about Gerald's alleged affair?


  He is indifferent, prioritizing economic relationships over family issues.
• How is Mr. Birling portrayed as a capitalist in the play?


  • Embodiment of capitalist ideology
  • Physical appearance reflects greed
  • Values profit over family and social responsibility
• What does Mr. Birling's physical appearance symbolize?


  His "heavy looking" figure symbolizes greed.
• How does Mr. Birling's toast during Sheila and Gerald's engagement reflect his character?


  He toasts to "lower costs and higher prices," showing his self-absorption.
• How does Mr. Birling objectify Sheila in his perspective?


  He views her as a means to further the family business.
• What foreshadowing is present in Mr. Birling's indifference to Eva Smith's suicide?


  His refusal to grant her a pay rise indicates his lack of empathy.
• What does Mr. Birling attempt to do when confronted by the Inspector?


  He tries to bribe the Inspector to protect his wealth and status.
• What insecurities does Mr. Birling exhibit regarding his social position?


  • Reminds others of his status
  • Speaks with a "provincial" accent
  • Seeks validation through past roles
• How does Mr. Birling's speech reflect his social origins?


  His "provincial" speech indicates his lower-class beginnings.
• How does Mrs. Birling view Mr. Birling's social status?


  She feels embarrassed by his lack of refinement and social etiquette.
• What does Priestley suggest about the impact of social divisions on Mr. Birling?


  • Mr. Birling is seen as a class imposter.
  • His lack of aristocratic background affects his status.
  • Social divisions cause suffering across classes.
• How does Mr. Birling's wealth appear to others?


  It seems unnatural due to his humble beginnings.
• What does Priestley imply about Mr. Birling's character through his marriage?


  He married for social status rather than love.
• How does Mr. Birling's character reflect the flaws of capitalism?


  He prioritizes profit over the well-being of his employees.
• What is the cyclical presentation of Mr. Birling's character in the play?


  • He remains unchanged by the Inspector's visit.
  • The play ends as it began, with no moral growth.
  • Reflects the flaws of society and capitalism.
• How does Mr. Birling react to the Inspector's message of social responsibility?


  He dismisses it, focusing on his own image.
• What does Mr. Birling's "impatiently" forced response to the Inspector indicate?


  It shows his unwillingness to accept responsibility for his actions.
• How does Priestley contrast the younger and older generations in the play?


  • Younger generation acknowledges moral failings.
  • Older generation focuses on social status.
  • Highlights the divide in attitudes towards responsibility.
• What does Mr. Birling's reaction to the Inspector's existence reveal about his character?


  He eagerly accepts the idea that the Inspector is not real to relieve his anxiety.
• What does Mr. Birling prioritize over social responsibility?


  His own financial interests and social status.
• What does the cyclical structure of the play suggest about Mr. Birling's character?


  • He is static and unable to change.
  • Reflects the flaws of society and capitalism.
  • Warns the audience about social responsibility.
• How does Mr. Birling's marriage to Mrs. Birling reflect the theme of capitalism?


  It was a transaction for social status rather than love.
• How does Mrs. Birling's response to Mr. Birling indicate her feelings about their marriage?


  She responds reproachfully, indicating disappointment.
• What does Mrs. Birling's statement about getting used to Mr. Birling imply?


  • She feels unfulfilled in their marriage.
  • Highlights the transactional nature of their relationship.
  • Reflects societal expectations of women.
• What cyclical device does Priestley use at the end of the play?


  A phone call from a 'real' Inspector
• What warning does Priestley convey through the cyclical device in the play?


  To not take on board social responsibility themselves
• How does Priestley create a divide between Mr and Mrs Birling?


  • Mr Birling is socially superior to Mrs Birling.
  • Their marriage is based on social status rather than love.
  • This reflects the theme of capitalism affecting intimate relationships.
• Why did Mr Birling marry Mrs Birling?


  For her social status rather than love
• How does Mrs Birling feel about her marriage to Mr Birling?


  She feels unfulfilled and disappointed
• What does Mrs Birling's statement about getting used to her marriage imply?


  It highlights the unhappiness caused by the capitalist system
• What is the nature of Mr Birling's relationship with his son, Eric?


  • Lacks familial connection.
  • Eric opposes his father's exploitation of employees.
  • Eric feels uneasy about his privileged life.
• What does Eric's opposition to his father's practices symbolize?


  The divide between the older and younger generations
• How does Eric's attitude towards capitalism differ from Mr Birling's?


  Eric is more aligned with socialism
• How does Mr Birling's statement about prices reflect his character?

  It shows his capitalist mindset and disregard for workers