Mr B Ai Mr H Flashcards
(71 cards)
Who is Arthur Birling?
A wealthy, prosperous capitalist who owns a factory and was once the Lord Mayor of Brumley
What is Arthur Birling celebrating?
The engagement of his daughter to the son of Sir and Lady Croft
What does Arthur Birling hope to achieve through his daughter’s engagement?
To enter into business with the Crofts to become even more successful
What does Priestley use Arthur Birling to symbolise?
The dysfunctional capitalist ideologies of the Edwardian era
What is Priestley’s intention regarding the audience’s perception of Birling?
To make the audience dislike Birling
What social theme does Priestley promote through the character of Arthur Birling?
The possibility of social change and a fairer society for all
What does the opening stage directions imply about the character?
It could imply a slightly intimidating character or one who has enjoyed the excesses of living his wealth and success have allowed
This suggests a complex personality shaped by social status.
What is the character’s background compared to his wife and the Crofts?
He comes from a more rural, lower class background
This contrast may highlight class differences in the narrative.
How is the character physically described?
‘A heavy-looking, rather portentous man’
This description suggests a certain heaviness or seriousness in demeanor.
What does ‘rather provincial in his speech’ imply about the character?
It implies an arrogance or sense of self-importance
This suggests a lack of sophistication and perhaps a tendency to dominate conversations.
Fill in the blank: The character may be someone who likes the _______.
sound of their own voice
This indicates a potential for verbosity or narcissism in communication.
What is the character’s attitude towards his achievements?
He is proud of his achievements.
This pride is linked to his desire for social status and recognition.
How does the character try to impress Gerald?
By buying the port he knows Gerald’s father drinks and informing him of the likelihood of his pending knighthood.
This reflects his obsequious nature and desire for approval.
What role does the character take in the opening exchanges?
He likes to educate the young in the ways of the world and dominates the conversations.
This indicates his self-perceived superiority and authority.
What are some beliefs that demonstrate the character’s arrogance and poor judgement?
- Community is a load of ‘nonsense’
- The Germans don’t want war
- The Titanic is ‘absolutely unsinkable’
These beliefs showcase his naivety and serve as dramatic irony in the narrative.
True or False: The character believes that the community is important.
False.
He dismisses the idea of community as ‘nonsense’.
Fill in the blank: The character’s belief that the Titanic is ‘_______’ reflects his arrogance.
[absolutely unsinkable]
This belief contributes to the dramatic irony of the story.
What does Arthur Birling claim to be?
A hard-headed, practical man of business
This statement reflects his pride and reinforces the theme of capitalism.
What does Birling say about the Titanic?
The Titanic is unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable
This showcases poor judgment and dramatic irony, as the play is written in 1946 but set in 1912.
How does Birling view community and responsibility?
‘Community and all that nonsense’
This quote illustrates his dismissive attitude towards socialist ideas and responsibility.
What does Birling believe a man has to do?
Mind his own business and look after himself and his own
This reinforces his capitalist views.
What metaphor does Birling use to express his anti-community position?
We’re not all mixed up like bees in a hive
This highlights his belief in individualism over collectivism.
What is Mr Birling’s social class?
Middle class.
Mr Birling’s social status has improved by marrying Mrs Birling, who is wealthy.
Why is Mr Birling happy about Sheila’s engagement to Gerald?
His business can merge with Crofts Limited.
