'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mr. Birling | English

Starter quiz

These plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' focus on the character of Mr. Birling. Starting with the first, put them into chronological order.

1

⇔

Mr. Birling is described as "portentous" in the stage directions.

2

⇔

Mr. Birling predicts no war will occur, showing his arrogance and ignorance.

3

⇔

It is revealed that Mr. Birling fired Eva Smith.

4

⇔

He states that he can't be responsible; it would be "awkward" if everyone was.

5

⇔

Mr. Birling realises that Eric is involved in Eva's death.

6

⇔

He dismissed the Inspector's visit as hoax and is "amused".

7

⇔

Mr. Birling tells the family that an inspector is on the way.
In 'An Inspector Calls', why does Mr. Birling fire Eva Smith?

She stole money.

She asked for higher wages. ✓

She missed too many days of work.

She argued with him.
In 'An Inspector Calls', what does Mr. Birling say about the Titanic?

it's "unsinakable" ✓

it will sail "forever"

it's the "future of travel"

it's going on a "dangerous" journey
In 'An Inspector Calls' it is discovered that the character or Eva Smith goes by a different name. What is that name?

'Daisy Renton' ✓
The stage directions in a play do not include...

the cast members ✓

descriptions of characters

how to deliver lines

dialogue ✓

how to move
Is the answer true or false? 'In An Inspector Calls', Mr. Birling believes in the importance of social responsibility.

'false' ✓

Exit quiz

At the end of 'An Inspector Calls', how does Mr. Birling react to the Inspector's visit?

He admits his mistakes and takes responsibility.

He denies everything and remains unrepentant.

He is deeply remorseful and changes his views.

He insists that the Inspector was a fake and irrelevant. ✓
Which dramatic technique can be described as: 'a speech by one character, usually expressing their thoughts or feelings, often delivered alone or to an audience within a play.'?

'monologue' ✓
Which definition best describes dramatic irony?

a situation where the audience knows something that the characters do not ✓

when the characters in a play agree on the events that are happening

when a character says something, but it is not true

when two characters share a secret that the audience does not know
Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls' the stage directions describe Mr.Birling as "pretentious".

'false' ✓
In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mr. Birling uses a simile to describe a the concept of community and social responsibility. What animal does he use as the comparison?

sheep

ants

bees ✓

fish

lion
In 'An Inspector Calls', how is capitalism portrayed?

as a system that benefits everyone equally

as a fair system that encourages social responsibility

as a system that promotes individual success at the expense of others ✓

as a way to solve social problems

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

Priestley uses dramatic irony to establish the character of Mr. Birling as foolish.
Priestley uses both monologues and dramatic irony to emphasise Mr. Birling’s arrogance.
Priestley uses Mr. Birling to critique the upper class attitudes towards social responsibility, class and power.
The end of the play emphasises the generational conflict between the younger and older Birlings.

Common misconception

Isn't the fact that Mr. Birling wants to look after himself and his family a good thing?

It's understandable to think that Mr. Birling's focus on looking after himself and his family could be seen as positive. However, Priestley shows that Mr. Birling's attitude is self-serving and dismissive of wider societal responsibilities.

Keywords

Dramatic irony - a situation where the audience knows something that the characters do not
Monologue - a speech by one character, usually expressing thoughts or feelings, often delivered alone or to an audience within a play
Arrogance - thinking you are better or more important than others, often in a way that is overconfident or dismissive
Jovial - cheerful, friendly, and full of good humor