Mr Birling

Question 1

Mr Birling (responsibility)

Answer 1

“I can’t accept any responsibility.” (act 1)

Rhetorical device: denial is a potent rhetorical device, encapsulating remorselessness in eva’s demise. obstinate refusal is a critique of bourgeois, whose exploitative practises dehumanise the proletariat within framework of laissez-faire capitalist system. reflects stagnation in moral growth, and dehumanising effects of such system.

Declarative tone: Unyielding stance amplifies exploitative nature of capitalism, stark opposition to emancipation through collective accountability.

Question 2

Mr Birling (older vs younger)

Answer 2

“Why, you hysterical young fool - get back or I’ll -“ (Act 2)

Hyperbolic language: reflects remorselessness and condescension towards younger generation, dismissing their concerns as irrational. dehumanising implications “fool” stripping eric of dignity while highlighting unscrupulous prioritisation of control over respect. mirrors stark generational divide as Eric’s burgeoning social conscience clashes Mr Birling’s ideologies.

Fragmented syntax: conveys loss of composure, exposing fragility of bourgeois facade.

Question 3

Mr Birling (Capitalism vs socialism)

Answer 3

“as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense.” (Act 1)

Zoomorphism: zoomorphises lower classes, dehumanising them and mocking concept of social responsibility, portraying it as animalistic and atavistic behaviour. Mr Birling is a foil to inspector, the paragon of collective responsibility.

hyphen prompts theatrical pause emphasising physical repulsion to concept, suggesting inability to verbalise. acting as a microcosm for capitalist ideologies, vilifying his individualistic notions.

Question 4

Mr Birling (Social Class)

Answer 4

“I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can” (Act 3)

Dramatic irony: underscores remorseless attitude. Unscrupulous desire to preserve bourgeois status reveals unwillingness to accept collective social conscience - he is emblematic of exploitative nouveau riche class, illustrating how laissez-faire mindset perpetuates social inequality.

Imperative: urgency and dehumanising dismissal of Eva. symbolises stagnation, become a dramatic vehicle for priestley’s to critique the exploitative upper class and their resistance to emancipation for proletariat.