Arthur Birling

• Who wrote the book "Theater Outlook" in 1947?

  JB Priestley
• What does JB Priestley suggest about a good theatrical production?

  It offers a significant piece of life
• What does the shape and color of a room signify in a theatrical production?

  Everything down to the smallest detail is significant
• What does Mr. Burling's first line of dialogue reveal about him?

  He is concerned with impressing others
• What type of drink does Mr. Burling mention in his dialogue?

  Port
• Why is the drinking of port significant in the play?

  It is associated with wealth and status
• How does the cost of port reflect social class in the play?

  It is prohibitive for the working class
• What does Thor Hans state about alcohol consumption in Victorian and Edwardian Britain?

  It reinforced social class and gender values
• How does Mr. Burling attempt to impress Gerald?

  By name-dropping Finchley
• What does the relationship between Mr. Burling and Gerald signify?

  1. Burling aspires to a higher social status
• How has Mr. Burling's social status changed?

  He moved from working class to middle class
• What does Mrs. Burling's role suggest about Mr. Burling's behavior?

  He needs guidance on social behavior
• What is the focus of Mr. Burling's speech during the engagement meal?

  His opinions on the economic future
• How does Mr. Burling describe himself in his speech?

  As a hard-headed businessman
• What does the repetition of "hard-headed" emphasize about Mr. Burling?

  His self-perception is tied to wealth
• What does Mr. Burling's lack of empathy indicate about his character?

  He prioritizes wealth over people
• What ideology does Mr. Burling represent?

  Capitalism
• How does Mr. Burling's capitalist agenda affect Eva Smith?

  It contributes to her death
• How does Mr. Burling view the inspector?

  He dismisses him as probably a socialist
• What is dramatic irony in the context of Mr. Burling's character?

  The audience knows more than Mr. Burling
• How does the setting of the play affect Mr. Burling's assertions?

  His predictions are proven incorrect by history
• What does Mr. Burling's confidence about war reveal?

  He is ill-informed and naive
• How does Mr. Burling's attitude towards the Titanic reflect his character?

  He believes it is absolutely unsinkable
• What does Mr. Burling's view on employees indicate about his character?

  He lacks concern for their well-being
• How does Mr. Burling react to Eric's problems?

  He focuses on recovering lost money
• What does Mr. Burling's failure to accept responsibility suggest?

  He embodies the older generation's flaws
• How does Priestly contrast the older and younger generations?

  Older generation resists change, younger accepts
• What lesson does the inspector convey to Mr. Burling?

  About social responsibility
• What does Priestly imply about the younger generation?

  They are more impressionable
• What are the key themes presented through Mr. Burling's character?

  • Capitalism vs. Socialism
  • Social Responsibility
  • Class and Status
  • Flaws of the Older Generation
• How does Priestly use dramatic irony in the play?

  • Audience knows historical outcomes
  • Mr. Burling's confidence is misplaced
  • Critiques capitalist ideology through character flaws
• What is the significance of Mr. Burling's character arc?

  • He remains unchanged by events
  • Represents the stubbornness of the older generation
  • Fails to learn from mistakes