Arthur's Speech

• What event are the Birlings celebrating in Act One?

  Engagement party
• What underlying theme is suggested during the Birlings' engagement party?

  Hints of conflict
• What does Birling lecture the young men about during the party?

  War and business
• What is the term used when the audience knows more than the character on stage?

  Dramatic irony
• What is the setting of Act One in the play discussed?

  The Birlings are having an engagement party.
• How does Priestley portray the Birling family in Act One?

  As a perfect middle-class family.
• What roles do the members of the Birling family play?

  • Father: Successful businessman
  • Mother: Maintains family reputation
  • Son: Works in the family business
  • Daughter: Engaged to a competitor's son
• What is the significance of Sheila being engaged to the son of their competitor?

  It is expected to improve business relations between the two companies.
• What underlying tension exists during the engagement party?

  There are hints of conflict beneath the surface.
• Why does Arthur Birling feel uneasy about Gerald's family?

  Because the Crofts are more established and socially superior.
• How does Sheila respond to Gerald's explanation about being busy with work?

  She is not satisfied with his answer.
• What societal expectations are highlighted regarding men and women in Act One?

  Men are expected to work, while women focus on family and social etiquette.
• What does Arthur Birling predict about the future of workers and bosses?

  He believes conflicts will come to nothing.
• What historical events contradict Arthur Birling's predictions?

  There were many strikes between 1912 and 1945, including the General Strike of 1926.
• What example does Arthur Birling use to illustrate technological progress?

  The recently completed Titanic.
• What does Arthur Birling claim about the Titanic?

  He claims it is "unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable".
• What does Eric ask Arthur Birling about in Act One?

  Whether there will be a war with Germany.
• How does Arthur Birling respond to Eric's question about war?

  He confidently says there will be no war.
• What literary device does Priestley use to portray Arthur Birling's overconfidence?

  Dramatic irony.
• What effect does dramatic irony have on the audience's perception of Birling?

  It makes them think he might be wrong about many things.
• What is the definition of dramatic irony?

  • When the audience knows more than the character on stage.