AIC key quotes

• Who is the character that represents capitalist ideology in "An Inspector Calls"?

  Mr. Birling
• What does Mr. Birling mean when he says, "I’m talking as a hard-headed practical man of business"?


  He emphasizes his pragmatic and self-interested approach to life and business.
• What does Mr. Birling dismiss when he says, "you’ll hear some people say war is inevitable … fiddlesticks!"?


  He dismisses the idea that war is unavoidable, showing his optimism and naivety.
• What does Mr. Birling's statement about the Titanic symbolize?


  It symbolizes his belief in the invincibility of his social status and wealth.
• What does Mr. Birling hope to achieve when he says, "I gather there’s a very good chance of a knighthood"?


  He hopes to gain social recognition and status.
• What does Mr. Birling mean by "A man has to make his own way"?


  He believes in individualism and self-reliance.
• How does Mr. Birling react to the Inspector's visit when he says, "Horrid business. But I don’t understand why you should come here"?


  He is dismissive and confused about the Inspector's purpose.
• What does Mr. Birling imply with his statement about community being "all that nonsense"?


  He dismisses the idea of social responsibility and community support.
• What positions has Mr. Birling held in the community?


  He was an alderman and Lord Mayor.
• What does Mr. Birling mean when he says, "there’s every excuse for what your mother and I did"?


  He justifies his and Mrs. Birling's actions regarding Eva Smith.
• How does Mr. Birling view socialists when he says, "Probably a Socialist or some sort of crank"?


  He views socialists as misguided and irrational.
• What does Mr. Birling's use of long monologues indicate about his character?


  It shows his desire to dominate conversations and assert his views.
• What does the use of dramatic irony reveal about Mr. Birling's character?


  It highlights his ignorance and misplaced confidence.
• How does Mr. Birling's language change when the Inspector arrives?


  His language becomes short, sharp, and fragmented, indicating his loss of control.
• What does Mr. Birling's use of colloquial language like "y’know" signify?


  It signifies the breakdown of his authority and confidence.
• What does Mr. Birling's frequent use of "I" suggest about his character?


  It conveys his selfishness and individualism.
• How does Mr. Birling shift his language regarding the problem of Eva's death?


  He shifts from "I" to "we" to minimize the issue and shift blame.
• What does Mr. Birling's understatement "it would be very awkward wouldn’t it?" reveal?


  It reveals his attempt to downplay the seriousness of the situation.
• What is the significance of Mr. Birling using euphemisms?


  It reflects his discomfort with discussing taboo subjects directly.
• How does Priestley use Mr. Birling as a symbol?


  He symbolizes the callousness and heartlessness of capitalism.
• What does Mr. Birling represent in terms of generational attitudes?


  He represents the older generation's unwillingness to change.
• How does Priestley present Mr. Birling as a realistic character?


  Through his use of colloquial language appropriate for the time.
• What does the description of Mr. Birling as "panic stricken" indicate?


  It indicates his loss of control and confidence when confronted.
• How is Mrs. Birling described in terms of age and demeanor?


  She is about fifty and described as a rather cold woman.
• What does Mrs. Birling mean by "girls of that class"?


  She refers to her snobbish view of the lower classes.
• How does Mrs. Birling use her husband's status in her dialogue?


  She uses it to assert her social superiority.
• What does Mrs. Birling's statement "I think she only had herself to blame" reveal about her character?


  It reveals her lack of empathy and responsibility.
• How does the stage direction change reflect Mrs. Birling's character development?


  It shows her transition from confidence to distress as the truth is revealed.
• What does Mrs. Birling's abrupt language indicate about her attitude?


  It indicates her dismissive and snobbish attitude towards lower classes.
• How does Mrs. Birling's language change later in the play?


  Her language becomes fragmented, reflecting her collapsing self-confidence.
• What do Mrs. Birling's imperatives convey about her character?


  They convey her confidence and sense of superiority.
• How does Mrs. Birling use euphemisms in her dialogue?


  She uses them to maintain a pretence of respectability.
• What does the imagery of the "wall" symbolize in the play?


  It symbolizes the barriers and pretences between social classes.
• How does Mrs. Birling's character reflect societal issues?


  She epitomizes social snobbery and hypocrisy of the upper classes.
• What does Mrs. Birling mean when she says, "I’ve done nothing wrong – and you know it"?


  She refuses to accept any responsibility for her actions.
• How does Mrs. Birling shift blame in her dialogue?


  She shifts blame to the father of Eva's child, indicating her refusal to accept responsibility.
• What does Mrs. Birling's statement about Eva's airs reveal about her character?


  It shows her disdain for those she considers socially inferior.
• How does Mrs. Birling react to Eva's death?


  She expresses sorrow but refuses to accept any blame.
• What does Mrs. Birling mean by "he ought to be dealt with very severely"?


  She believes in punishing those she sees as responsible for Eva's situation.
• How does Mrs. Birling's fragmented speech reflect her emotional state?


  It reflects her collapsing self-confidence and increasing distress.