characters

• Who is the patriarch of the Birling family?

  Arthur Birling
• How is Arthur Birling presented in the play?

  As an arrogant and pompous character
• How is Birling physically described?

  Heavy-looking, rather portentous man
• What does Priestley's description of Birling convey?

  His self-indulgence and self-importance
• What does Birling's regional accent signify?

  His lower-class status compared to others
• What is Birling's aspiration regarding his social status?

  He hopes to obtain a knighthood
• How does Birling's obsession with reputation affect him?

  It leads to a terrible downfall by play's end
• How is Birling depicted in relation to Inspector Goole's ideals?

  As a caricature of a Capitalist businessman
• What is Birling's attitude towards his workers?

  Indifferent to their plight
• Does Priestley suggest Birling enjoys punishing his workers?

  No, he lacks empathy towards them
• What do Birling's lengthy monologues reveal?

  His self-centredness and arrogance
• What is Birling's belief about personal responsibility?

  Everyone should be responsible for themselves
• How does dramatic irony reveal Arthur's short-sightedness?

  His optimism for the future is superficial
• What does Arthur's character contrast with?

  The Inspector and his children
• How does Arthur treat the Inspector?

  Brusque and dismissive
• How does Arthur respond to Eva's death?

  He refuses to accept any responsibility
• What does Arthur's unwillingness to change signify?

  His personal beliefs prevent change
• How does Arthur try to limit damage to himself?

  By distorting or minimizing the truth
• How is Sybil Birling first described?

  As a rather cold woman
• What does Sybil's demeanor reveal about her character?

  She remains snobbish and uncaring
• What does Priestley depict Sybil as a symbol of?

  The privileges of the upper classes
• How does Sybil view the working class?

  As morally inferior to the upper classes
• How does Sybil refer to Eva Smith?

  As "the girl"
• What is Sybil's attitude towards her charity work?

  It symbolizes her status, not concern
• How does Sybil react to the revelation about her son?

  She maintains the charity's stance on aid
• How does Sybil respond to the Inspector's revelations?

  She comforts herself by insisting she did her duty
• What does Sybil's character reveal about her perception?

  She fails to perceive those around her
• How does Sybil react to Eric's problems?

  She refuses to acknowledge his alcohol problem
• How is Eric Birling first described?

  As half shy, half assertive
• What does Eric's description suggest about him?

  His lack of confidence and social awkwardness
• How does Eric challenge his parents' views?

  He attempts to confront them but struggles
• How does Eric's character develop in Act III?

  He becomes more assertive towards his parents
• What is significant about Eric's confession?

  It reveals his emotional turmoil and regret
• How do Eric and Sheila react to the Inspector's message?

  They focus on the lessons to learn
• How does Eric's treatment of Eva reflect his character?

  It reveals his exploitation and cruelty
• What does Sheila's character represent?

  The younger generation and hope for change
• How is Sheila first described?

  As a pretty girl in her twenties
• What does Sheila's initial excitement suggest?

  Her self-interest and naivety
• How does Sheila's character develop throughout the play?

  She becomes more sympathetic and courageous
• What does Sheila do when she sees Eva's photograph?

  She dramatically exits the stage