Inspector calls character analysis

• 'I'm not going to be bullied by a woman!' - Birling
• 'It wasn't my fault, it was her own fault! She shouldn't have been so silly as to get herself into that position.' - Birling on Eva Smith
• 'The whole thing is absurd... It's all nonsense!' - Birling
• 'We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.' - The Inspector
• 'I've never done anything wrong in my life!' - Mr Birling
• What is Arthur Birling's social status?

  He is a wealthy industrialist and local politician.
• What are some key points about Arthur Birling's status?

  - Self-made businessman - Former Lord Mayor of Brumley - Potential knighthood in the future - Capitalist mindset - Values social connections and reputation
• What are some of Arthur Birling's distinct personality traits?

  He is arrogant, materialistic, stubborn, short-sighted, and authoritarian.
• How does Arthur Birling's statement about responsibility reflect his views on society?

  It shows his belief in individualism and limited social responsibility.
• What role does Arthur Birling play in the events leading to Eva Smith's death?

  He fired Eva from his factory when she asked for a pay rise, setting off a chain of events that contributed to her downfall.
• How does Arthur's decision to fire Eva Smith reflect on his character?

  It demonstrates his prioritisation of profits over people's welfare.
• What are the key aspects of Arthur Birling's character development throughout the play?

  1. Initial stance: Confident in his views and actions. 2. During the investigation: Becomes defensive and tries to maintain his position. 3. After the Inspector leaves: Briefly shaken but quickly reverts to his original mindset. 4. End of the play: Fails to learn or change, representing the resistance of the older generation to social progress.
• Who is Sybil Birling in J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls"?

  She is the wife of Arthur Birling and the mother of Sheila and Eric.
• What social class does Sybil Birling belong to?

  She belongs to the upper-middle class.
• What personality trait of Sybil Birling contributes to her self-righteousness?

  Her belief in her own moral superiority.
• How does Sybil Birling view those of lower social status?

  She looks down on them and is snobbish.
• What does Sybil Birling's stubbornness reveal about her character?

  It reveals her resistance to changing her views or admitting mistakes.
• How does Sybil Birling's coldness affect her interactions with others?

  It leads her to lack empathy, especially for those she considers beneath her.
• What is the nature of Sybil Birling's relationship with her husband, Arthur?

  She supports his views and social aspirations.
• How does Sybil's relationship with Sheila change throughout the play?

  It becomes strained as Sheila begins to accept responsibility and change her views.
• What does Sybil Birling's relationship with Eric reveal about her character?

  It shows that she is distant and unaware of his problems.
• How does Sybil Birling react to Inspector Goole?

  She is confrontational and dismissive.
• What role did Sybil Birling play in Eva Smith's death?

  She refused to help Eva when she came to the charity for assistance.
• How might Sybil's actions have contributed to Eva Smith's despair?

  Her refusal to help Eva likely contributed to Eva's despair and eventual suicide.
• What are the key personality traits of Sybil Birling?

  - Self-righteous - Snobbish - Stubborn - Cold - Protective