Mr Birling Flashcards
(6 cards)
“Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable” (Act 1)
AO1: Mr. Birling’s confident assertion reflects his misplaced optimism and ignorance.
AO2: The dramatic irony is evident; the audience knows the Titanic sank, making Birling’s certainty appear foolish and undermining his credibility.
AO3: This serves as a metaphor for the downfall of the upper class’s arrogance and the failure of their institutions.
“I can’t accept any responsibility.” (Act 1)
AO1: Birling denies any culpability in Eva Smith’s demise, distancing himself from the consequences of his actions.
AO2: The definitive statement “can’t accept” indicates a refusal to acknowledge moral accountability.
AO3: Highlights the theme of social responsibility, a central concern in post-war Britain, emphasizing the need for collective accountability.
“as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive – community and all that nonsense.” (Act 1)
AO1: Birling mocks socialist ideas of community and shared responsibility.
AO2: The simile “like bees in a hive” trivializes the concept of community, suggesting a loss of individuality. The term “cranks” dismisses opposing viewpoints.
AO3: Priestley uses Birling to satirize capitalist disdain for socialism, promoting the latter’s values of interconnectedness and mutual care.
“A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself – and his family too, of course…” (Act 1)
AO1 (Understanding of the text): Mr. Birling expresses his individualistic philosophy, emphasizing self-reliance and personal responsibility.
AO2 (Language and structure): The use of repetition in “has to” underscores his rigid belief in self-sufficiency. The phrase “of course” minimizes the importance of family, highlighting his self-centered nature.
AO3 (Context): Priestley critiques the capitalist ideology prevalent in early 20th-century Britain, promoting the idea that such self-interest neglects communal responsibility.
“You! You don’t seem to care about anything. But I care. I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours List.” (Act 3)
AO1: Birling chastises his son Eric, revealing his primary concern is his social standing.
AO2: The repetition of “You!” emphasizes his accusatory tone. The contrast between “I care” and the following sentence about a knighthood exposes his selfish priorities.
AO3: Critiques the superficiality of the upper class, whose concern lies more with reputation than genuine remorse or ethical behavior.
“The famous younger generation who know it all. And they can’t even take a joke.” (Act 3)
AO1: Birling dismisses the younger generation’s concerns, mocking their seriousness.
AO2: The sarcasm in “famous younger generation” and the trivialization of serious matters as a “joke” underscore his condescension.
AO3: Highlights the generational divide, with the younger characters representing change and moral awakening, contrasting with the older generation’s stubbornness.
