Mr Birling

• What does the verb 'ought' imply in 'You ought to like this port, Gerald.'

  The verb 'ought' reveals Mr Birlings insecurities regarding class as he is hesitant to command Gerald (Who is of higher class than him) unlike he commands his own son.
• What is significant about 'It's my duty to keep labor costs down'.

  Mirrors Mrs Birlings 'duty' to refuse assistance. Both said proudly and with confidence. 'duty' implies responsibility which they both are shown to lack in comparison to the inspector saying 'its my duty to ask questions'
• What technique is 'asking for the earth'

  An absurd hyperbole as Mr Birling compares a mere pay rise to wanting everything the world has to offer.
• 'Its one of the happiest moments of my life' shows what

  Mr Birlings self absorbed nature as he uses the personal pronouns 'me' and 'my life'
• what is significant about 'I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood.'

  Short sentence to create a potential turning point in Mr Birlings attitude, it is harshly juxtapose with an anti-climax as Mr Birlings static nature AS a character is reaffirmed.
• What does the quote 'like bees in hive' suggest

  Simile suggests Mr Birling struggles to view community as animalistic or primitive (and therefore below him). Though from his experience he knows if a group of bees (workers of a lower class) rise up, hell can break loose (strikes)
• What is significant about Mr Birlings cyclical attitude.

  HIs attitude remains unchanging from the first call to the second. This period of time could perhaps symbolise a constant cycle of the same message. Symbolic of how both socialist and capitalistic views are echoed throughout generations.