Mr. Arthur Birling [12] Flashcards
MR-BIRLING
Arrogance and Overconfidence
Give 3 quotes and their relevant analysis
○ “We don’t guess - we’ve had experience - and we know”
○ “Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war.”
○ “Unsinkable, absolutely Unsinkable”
MR-BIRLING
Embodiment of Capitalism
Give 3 quotes and their relevant analysis
○ “Though Crofts Limited is both bigger and older than Birling&Co… Now you’ve brought us together”
○ “Look, Inspector - I’d give thousands - yes, thousands” / “Fifty pounds! Where did you get fifty pounds from?”
○ [Rather Taken Aback] “I only did what any employer would have done”
MR-BIRLING
Selfish and caring for only his family
Give 3 quotes and their relevant analysis
○ “A man has to look after his own business and look after himself and his own - and -“ {Interrupted by Inspector’s arrival}
○ “I gather there’s very good chance of a knighthood” / “You! You don’t seem to care about anything. But I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next honours list” [Eric laughs hysterically]
○ “We can’t let these Bernard Shaws and H.G. Wellses do all the talking” / “Community and all that nonsense”
MR-BIRLING
Obsessed with Status, Control and Power
Give 3 quotes and their relevant analysis
○ [As Mr. Birling tries to protest] “Don’t stammer and yammer at me again man” -Inspector
○ “I gather there’s very good chance of a knighthood” / “You! You don’t seem to care about anything. But I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next honours list” [Eric laughs hysterically]
○ “I’m sorry. This makes a difference” [With marked change of tone]
MR-BIRLING
Does not develop across the course of the play
Give 3 quotes and their relevant analysis
○ “There’s every excuse for what me and your mother did”
○ “Look, Inspector - I’d give thousands -yes, thousands”
○ “I gather there’s very good chance of a knighthood” / “You! You don’t seem to care about anything. But I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next honours list” [Eric laughs hysterically]
