An inspector calls: Mr Birling Flashcards
(12 cards)
“You ought to like this port, Gerald it’s exactly the same port your father gets.”
Insecurity quote - Verb “ought” reveals Mr Birlings insecurities regarding social status. Hesitant to command Gerald (of a higher class) like he would command Eric
“As if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and nonsense”
Capitalism vs Socialism - Simile is an attempt by Mr Birling to trivialise concept of socialism
“It’s my duty to keep labour costs down.”
Capitalism vs Socialism - noun “duty” to emphasise Mr Birling’s dedication to capitalism and profit
“Now look at the pair of them - the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke”
Older generation vs younger generation - use of noun “joke” signifcant as it is ironic. Occurs just before phone rings and a real inspector calls on telephone. Also trivalisng Eva Smith’s suffering as a “joke” emphasises the static character of Mr Birling
“I can’t accept any responsibility.”
Responsibility - Use of adverb “any” reveals Mr Birling’s complete lack of morality as he believes sacking Eva smith had no impact on her life which drove her to suicide
“(Jovially) but the whole thing’s different now”
Responsibility - Priestly uses stage direction “(jovially)” to emphasise Mr Birling’s indifference to the well being of Eva Smith as “the whole thing’s different now” due to there being no social or legal consequences affecting Mr Birling.
(The inspector is speaking) “Public men. Mr Birling have responsibilities as well as privileges “
Responsibility - Priestly uses the inspector as a vehicle for socialism as Mr Birling is reminded of his “responsibilities” and the need to address them
“A heavy looking, rather portentous man”
Self-absorbed - Use of adjective “ Portentous “ in stage directions give an immediate indication of Mr Birling’s self-indulged temperament.
“Perhaps I ought to warn you that the Chief constable is an old friend of mine. We play golf together.”
Self-Absorbed - Attempts to intimidate inspector through verb “warn” believe association with the Chief Constable puts Mr Birling above the law epitomises the need for greater social justice and responsibility
“I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next honours list.”
Self-Absorbed - Priestly uses the short sentence. “I care” to create potential turning point in which Mr Birling finally accepts moral + social responsibility however, what follows is an anti-climax as Mr Birling’s static nature as character is reaffirmed. Only cares about social position not Eva smith
“The Titanic is unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable”
Dramatic Irony - Certainty shown by Mr Birling’s repetition of “unsinkable” demonstrates poor judgement due to Titanic sinking
“You’ll hear some people say that war inevitable and to that I say fiddlesticks!”
Dramatic Irony - Use of noun “Fiddlesticks” alongside dramatic irony causes Mr Birling to seem overwhelmingly confident in his arrogance. Britain soon enters WWI soon after 1912
