Mr Birling Quotes Analysis
Mr Birling's condescending remarks to Edna, the maid, give us the first glimpse of his arrogance. He automatically expects her obedience because of her lower social class, and the post-titanic audience provides a backdrop for the themes of arrogance vs responsibility.
Mr Birling's dismissive attitude towards the idea of equality is evident when he compares women's work to bees in a hive, highlighting his lack of agreement with the concept of social equality. His classist viewpoint is evident when he expresses his belief that everyone should live close together and support each other, but he himself is not a socialist or a communist.
Eric Birling Quotes and Analysis
Eric's behavior towards Eva Smith reflects themes of sexism, lies, and secrecy. His admission of being in a drunken state when he raped Eva indicates his realization that what he did was wrong. However, his attempt to downplay the severity of his actions by treating it as a common occurrence is evident.
He attributes his behavior to the fact that he has not had to fight for anything in his life, whereas Eva has struggled for everything. This presents a stark contrast between their social standings and life experiences.
Mrs Birling Quotes and Character Analysis
Mrs Birling's prejudiced and condescending attitude is evident in her remarks about Eva Smith. Her refusal to believe that someone of a lower class than her could refuse money demonstrates her self-absorbed nature and her inability to empathize with those she deems beneath her social status.
Her complacency and assumption of superiority are further highlighted in her reference to her husband's status as the Lord Mayor, a gesture aimed at intimidating the Inspector.
In conclusion, the key quotes and analyses of Mr Birling, Eric Birling, and Mrs Birling in "An Inspector Calls" provide insights into the themes of social class, arrogance vs responsibility, sexism, and lies. Their character traits and actions reveal their lack of empathy and understanding of individuals from different social backgrounds, contributing to the overall message of the play.
