Mr Birling

• Act 2 - quote 1

  • " I don't propose to give you much rope"
  • trying to assert dominance over the inspector, refusing to cooperate fully
  • desire to maintain control over the situation
• Act 2 - quote 2

  • " I'm a public man-"
  • invokes social status as a justification for being treated with deference
• Act 3 - quote 1

  • " There's every excuse for what me and your mother did"
• Act 3 - quote 2

  • "You're the one I blame for this"
  • directing anger at Eric , blaming him for the scandal
  • tendency to shift responsibility and avoid accountability
• Act 1 - quote 1

  • "exactly the same port your father gets"
  • trying to be on the same level as Gerald
  • wants to be seen with a high social class
  • attempting to impress Gerald with the same expensive wine his father gets
• Act 1 - quote 2

  • "working together - for lower costs and higher prices"
  • capitalist
  • looking at the business side of his daughter's marriage
  • treating Sheila's marriage like it is a business deal