Mr Birling

• Who is the personification of capitalism discussed in the video?

  1. Burling
• What does personification mean in this context?

  It means being the perfect example of capitalism
• What is capitalism defined as in the video?

  The belief in self-reliance and ownership
• How does Mr. Burling embody capitalist beliefs?

  He believes in keeping what he owns
• What is Mr. Burling's stance on socialism?

  He completely disagrees with socialism
• What are key words associated with Mr. Burling?

  • Pretentious
  • Ostentatious
  • Greedy
  • sanctimonious
• What does "pretentious" mean in relation to Mr. Burling?

  It means he is very stuck up
• How does Mr. Burling demonstrate being ostentatious?

  By boasting about his status
• What does it mean that Mr. Burling is greedy for money?

  He wants to keep all his wealth
• What does the stage direction describe Mr. Burling as?

  A heavy looking, pretentious man
• Why would a contemporary audience find Mr. Burling's appearance significant?

  It symbolizes wealth after rationing
• What does Mr. Burling's plump frame suggest to the audience?

  It evokes hatred towards his privileges
• What is an alternative interpretation of Mr. Burling's heaviness?

  It asserts his status and hedonism
• What does "hedonistic" mean in relation to Mr. Burling?

  He indulges with little regard for others
• What is Priestley's intention with Mr. Burling's character?

  To satirize capitalism
• What is one quote that describes Mr. Burling?

  He is a hard-headed practical man of business
• What does Mr. Burling say about people asking for the Earth?

  If you don't come down hard, they will
• What does Mr. Burling imply about social mixing?

  He believes it is undesirable
• Who makes a final comment before Inspector Goole enters?

  1. Birling
• What is Mr. Birling lecturing Eric and Gerald about?

  Life and politics
• What does Eric find funny about the inspector's arrival?

  It coincides with his father's speech
• What does Mr. Birling say a man has to do?

  Make his own way and look after himself
• What does Mr. Birling imply about community in his speech?

  He dismisses it as nonsense
• What does the repetition of "a man" signify in Mr. Birling's speech?

  Patriarchal society priorities
• What does the sharp ring of the doorbell symbolize?

  Consequences of the Birlings' actions
• Who led the Labour Party that defeated Winston Churchill?

  Clement Attlee
• What political change occurred in Britain by 1945?

  A socialist government was elected
• What vision did the Labour Party promise for Britain?

  A more equal society
• How is Mr. Birling described in the stage directions?

  Heavy-looking and rather portentous
• What does Mr. Birling's quote about the happiest night imply?

  He values the engagement to Sheila highly
• What does Mr. Birling mean by "working together for lower costs and higher prices"?

  Collaboration for profit maximization
• What does Mr. Birling say about the miners' strike?

  He dismisses concerns about labor trouble
• What does Mr. Birling claim about employers' interests?

  They need protection for Capital interests
• What is Mr. Birling's attitude towards the idea of inevitable war?

  He dismisses it as nonsense
• What does Mr. Birling hope for regarding the honors list?

  To find himself on it
• How does Mr. Birling view the concept of community responsibility?

  He sees it as a burden
• What does Mr. Birling mean by "it would be very awkward" regarding responsibility?

  He avoids accountability for actions
• What is Mr. Birling's duty according to his own words?

  To keep labor costs down
• What does Mr. Birling imply about people asking for more?

  They would demand excessive things
• What does Mr. Birling's relationship with the Chief Constable suggest?

  He has influential connections