Mr Birling - BEFORE INSPECTOR

Question 1

“The Titanic… is unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.” (Act 1)

Answer 1

Repetition emphasises Mr. Birling’s overconfidence and ignorance. The hyperbole is comical—it also demonstrates his belief in his own knowledge, but the dramatic irony reveals his lack of foresight.
Context: Titanic sunk a few years before play was written. Highlights contemporary society’s blind faith in technological progress and capitalism, which Mr. Birling epitomises (upper class are often out of touch with reality)

Question 2

“The way some of these cranks talk… is enough to make anyone feel sorry for themselves.” (Act 1)

Answer 2

“Cranks” is a dismissive term, showing Mr. Birling’s contempt for social reformers or any movement challenging the established order. The phrase “enough to make anyone feel sorry for themselves” shows his individualistic view—he is focused on personal success and stability.
Context: Shows the conservative, self-reliant attitude of the upper class in early 20th C. Reflects the growing political divide where people were questioning the equality of the capitalist system.

Question 3

“There’s a lot of wild talk about possible labour trouble in the near future.” (Act 1)

Answer 3

The phrase “a lot of wild talk” dismisses concerns about workers’ rights, showing Birling’s belief in capitalism. “Possible labour trouble” is phrased with a sense of uncertainty
Context: Early 20th C. saw increasing labour unrest. Priestley critiques Birling’s dismissal of working class struggles.

Question 4

“If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.” (Act 1)

Answer 4

His tone is dismissive and condescending, and the metaphor shows how serious he thinks their strikes are - he is concerned (although he dismisses it).
Context: Shows the upper class’ views on class hierarchy and their beliefs on workers. Priestley critiques how outdated and morally flawed this belief is.