Mr Birling Key Quotes from An Inspector Calls
In An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley, Mr. Arthur Birling is a symbol of capitalism, arrogance, and generational stubbornness. His quotes reflect his resistance to social responsibility and his flawed worldview. Whether you’re preparing for GCSE English Literature or exploring character development, these top 10 Mr. Birling quotes offer valuable insights into his role and Priestley’s broader message. From his dramatic irony about the Titanic to his rejection of responsibility for Eva Smith’s death, each quote reveals a key part of his personality and values. Understanding these quotes will help you analyse themes like class, responsibility, and generational conflict.
“The Titanic she sails next week forty-six thousand eight hundred tons New York in five days and every luxury and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”
“The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else.”
“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”
“The girl had been causing trouble in the works. I was quite justified.”
“Still, I can’t accept any responsibility.”
“If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we’d had anything to do with, it would be very awkward.”
“There’s every excuse for what your mother and I did it turned out unfortunately, that’s all.”
. “You’ll apologize at once… I consider this uncalled-for and officious.”
“Probably asocialist or some sort of crank – he talked like one.”