Mr Birling

Question 1

‘Giving us the port, Edna?’

Answer 1

Opening line of the play, and it is spoken by Mr Birling (reflective of the patriarchal society). He uses his first line of speech to express authority over Edna thus highlighting the depth of the mistreatment the upperclass were engaged in.

Question 2

‘lower costs and higher prices’

Answer 2

Views Sheila as a business deal
Shows that even in a momentous occasion for his family and his daughter he is focused on his business and how to make more money for himself.
Juxtaposition- he is wealthy but wants more

Question 3

‘a man has to make his own way’

Answer 3

Indefinite article makes it seem like the statement can apply to both Eric and Gerald.

Question 4

‘bees in a hive- community and all that nonsense’

Answer 4

Thinks responsibility is primitive and demeaning
Suggests Mr B feels socialism strips people of their individuality and makes them drones of the state working together for the common good of society (represented by hive)

Question 5

(rather hot, bothered)

Answer 5

Inspector gaining power over him

Question 6

(excitedly) By Jingo, a fake!

Answer 6

The first time he is seen to be truly happy since the Inspector’s arrival. Implies how awful the thought of accepting responsibility was for him.