The Birlings’ Pride
What is Arthur Birling's primary concern regarding his public reputation?
Arthur Birling’s main concern is protecting his public image and reputation, especially his chance of receiving a knighthood.
How is Sybil Birling first described in the play?
Sybil Birling is described as “a rather cold woman and her husband’s social superior.”
How is Eric Birling characterized at the start of the play?
Eric is described as awkward, shy, and not quite at ease with himself, showing insecurity.
How is Gerald Croft described when he first appears?
Gerald is described as “an attractive man about thirty.”
What is the Inspector's role in the play?
The Inspector acts as Priestley’s moral voice, investigating each person’s role in Eva’s death.
How does Birling's attitude reflect his views on social responsibility?
Birling’s attitude shows his belief in individual responsibility only, rejecting the idea that society or employers owe anything to workers.
What actions does Sybil take that demonstrate her lack of empathy?
She denies charity to Eva Smith, showing no compassion and blaming Eva for her own suffering.
What does Eric's confession reveal about his character?
His confession shows he feels deep guilt and remorse, revealing that he can change and take responsibility.
What is Gerald's relationship with Eva Smith?
He had an affair with Eva (Daisy Renton) while she was vulnerable but later abandoned her.
How does the Inspector's questioning affect the Birlings?
His questioning breaks down the family’s pretence, exposing lies and hypocrisy.
What is the significance of Birling's desire for a knighthood?
His wish for a knighthood represents his obsession with status and social climbing, showing his insecurity about class.
How does Sheila Birling's character develop throughout the play?
Sheila transforms from spoiled and shallow to thoughtful and self-aware, accepting her part in Eva’s death and showing empathy.
How does Sheila challenge her parents' views?
Sheila challenges her parents’ hypocrisy, siding with the Inspector and refusing to ignore the truth.
How does Gerald's character differ from the Birlings?
Unlike Birling, Gerald can show moments of honesty and guilt, but ultimately he returns to denial, preserving his privilege.
What message does the Inspector convey about social responsibility?
He preaches collective responsibility — that everyone’s actions affect others in society.
How does Priestley use dramatic irony in Birling's character?
Priestley uses dramatic irony when Birling declares that the Titanic is “unsinkable” and that there will be no war, revealing his arrogance and ignorance.
What is Sheila's initial reaction to the Inspector's questioning?
Sheila is initially shocked and emotional, but also ashamed when she realizes her actions led to someone losing their job.
What role does Eric play in the climax of the story?
Eric’s revelation about impregnating Eva and stealing money is the emotional climax — it forces the family to confront their moral failures.
Why does Gerald initially distance himself from the situation regarding Eva?
He distances himself because he wants to protect his reputation and engagement to Sheila.
How does the Inspector's presence change the atmosphere of the play?
When he enters, the atmosphere shifts to “brighter and harder,” symbolising truth and accountability.
What does Birling's response to the Inspector reveal about his character?
Birling’s response to the Inspector shows he is defensive, stubborn, and unrepentant, refusing to accept moral responsibility.
In what ways do the women in the play represent different social attitudes?
Sybil represents traditional, rigid upper-class morality, while Sheila represents change and moral awareness, highlighting a generational divide in attitudes.
How do Sheila and Eric represent hope for the future?
Eric and Sheila symbolize hope and moral progress, representing Priestley’s belief that the younger generation can change society.
What does Gerald's behavior reveal about upper-class attitudes?
Gerald’s behaviour reflects upper-class hypocrisy — appearing moral while exploiting those below them.
What does the Inspector's final message suggest about the future?
His final message warns that ignoring responsibility will lead to “fire and blood and anguish” — a reference to war and social collapse.