Mr Birling

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

he is the patriarch of the family

has a myopic view in society and superficial predictions

has an obsession with public reputation, status, & titles

Question 2

A.M.H.T.M.H.O.B

Answer 2

a man has to mind his own business

This reflects Mr. Birling’s capitalist worldview, where personal success takes precedence over social responsibility
Priestley critiques this attitude, suggesting that selfishness is a key problem in the capitalist system.

Question 3

I.W.W.A.R.F.E…I.W.B.V.A

Answer 3

If we were all responsible for everything… it would be very awkward

This line reveals Mr. Birling’s refusal to accept collective responsibility
Priestley uses this to contrast Mr. Birling’s capitalist ideology with the Inspector’s message of social interconnectedness

Question 4

D.T.K.L.C.D

Answer 4

Duty to keep labour costs down

Mr. Birling’s emphasis on cutting costs exposes his exploitative capitalist mindset, viewing workers as mere tools to increase profit
the use of the noun ‘duty’ juxtaposes the immorality of keeping ‘labour costs down’, exposing the unethical nature of capitalism

Question 5

U.A.U

Answer 5

Unsinkable absolutely unsinkable

Mr. Birling’s overconfidence about the Titanic’s safety symbolises his blind faith in capitalist progress and his belief that the status quo is invulnerable
Priestley uses this to highlight Mr. Birling’s hubris and lack of foresight, reinforcing the theme of naivety

Question 6

W.I.I.A.T.T.I.S.F

Answer 6

War is inevitable; and to that I say - fiddlesticks

Mr. Birling’s dismissal of war highlights his optimistic belief that conflict can be avoided if economic interests are maintained.
This shows his delusional confidence in the stability of his worldview, which is later shown to be deeply misguided

Question 7

O.T.W.Y.T.T.C.C.I.A.O.F

Answer 7

Ought to warn you that the chief constable is an old friend

Mr. Birling uses his connections to assert his social superiority, revealing his dependence on privilege
Priestley critiques this behaviour as emblematic of a capitalist society, where the wealthy use their status to shield themselves from accountability.

Question 8

I.C.I.W.A.C.F.A.K

Answer 8

I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood

Mr. Birling’s claim of caring is undermined by his self-serving motive of seeking public recognition
This highlights the capitalist view that genuine moral responsibility is often sacrificed for social advancement

Question 9

T.E.E.F.W.B.Y.M.A.I.D

Answer 9

There’s every excuse for what both your mother and I did

Mr. Birling’s defensive statement reveals his unwillingness to accept moral responsibility for his actions
Priestley uses this to critique the lack of accountability in the upper class, who often feel entitled to act without care