Sometimes it feels challenging to fully understand why everyone discusses Mr. Birling when studying An Inspector Calls. His lines can sound old-fashioned, yet they’re packed with meaning about power, class, and responsibility. If you’ve ever struggled to pick the best Mr Birling quotes or explain their importance in essays, you’re not alone, many students find his words tricky to unpack.
In this post, we’ll go through the best Mr Birling quotes with clear meanings and easy analysis to help you understand his character and Priestley’s message. Whether you’re revising for an exam or just trying to make sense of the play, these quotes will help you see exactly how Mr. Birling represents selfishness, ignorance, and the dangers of pride.
25+ Mr Birling Quotes
1. “I say there isn’t a chance of war.”
This quote highlights Mr. Birling’s naive confidence and ignorance of world events. The audience recognizes dramatic irony as World War I was imminent, showing his shortsightedness.
2. “The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else.”
Birling dismisses social responsibility, reflecting his capitalist ideology. His individualistic outlook is criticized by Priestley as morally flawed.
3. “We’re in for a time of steadily increasing prosperity.”
This demonstrates Mr. Birling’s faith in capitalism and economic progress. The use of the focus keyword here emphasizes one of the Best Mr Birling Quotes for illustrating dramatic irony.
4. “A man has to make his own way.”
Shows Birling’s belief in self-reliance and rejection of communal responsibility. Priestley contrasts this with the play’s moral message about collective duty.
5. “You’ll hear some people say that war is inevitable.”
Again, Birling’s short-sightedness is clear. His repeated dismissals of war underline his arrogance and flawed judgment.
6. “I don’t see why she (Eva Smith) should have been sacked just because she’d a lot of silly nonsense.”
A critical line showing Birling’s lack of empathy for the working class. Another focus keyword point highlighting the Best Mr Birling Quotes to use in essay analysis.
7. “I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours List.”
Reflects Birling’s obsession with social status and recognition. It shows his need for validation from the upper classes.
8. “There’s nothing mysterious – or scandalous – about this business.”
This downplays his responsibility, emphasizing his concern with reputation rather than morality.
9. “You’re not supposed to say such things.”
Birling prioritizes appearances over ethics, revealing his self-serving nature.
10. “I’ll tell you what happened. A piece of gross impertinence.”
Shows his arrogance and refusal to accept accountability for Eva Smith’s death.
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11. “Sheila’s a lucky girl , and I think you’re a pretty fortunate young man too, Gerald.”
Highlights Birling’s concern with social advancement and material status.
12. “Fiddlesticks! The Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war.”
Another instance of dramatic irony, emphasizing Birling’s ignorance of historical reality.
13. “Let’s say, in 1940, you might be having a little party like this – your sons and daughters might be getting engaged.”
Illustrates his misguided optimism and social narrow-mindedness.
14. “Man has to mind his own business and look after himself.”
A classic capitalist viewpoint, dismissing social responsibility and community.
15. “So as long as we behave ourselves don’t get into the police court or start a scandal – eh?”
Shows Birling’s obsession with avoiding public embarrassment over ethical considerations.
16. “Clothes mean something quite different to a woman… a sort of sign or token of their self-respect.”
Highlights his superficial understanding of status and gender roles.
17. “I was an alderman for years , and Lord Mayor two years ago , and I’m still on the Bench.”
Birling uses social rank to intimidate, showing his desire for authority and respect.
18. “She was one of my employees and then I discharged her.”
Directly responsible for Eva Smith’s dismissal, illustrating his lack of empathy.
19. “I’m not defending him. But you must understand that a lot of young men…”
Attempts to justify Gerald’s behaviour, showing his moral blind spots.
20. “It has nothing whatever to do with this wretched girl’s suicide, eh, Inspector?”
Shows Birling’s refusal to take responsibility for his role in Eva Smith’s death.
21. “I can’t accept any responsibility. If we were all responsible for everything that happened…”
Highlights Birling’s belief in personal detachment from social consequences.
22. “I don’t like that tone.”
Displays his status-conscious arrogance and attempts to assert authority over the inspector.
23. “We were paying the usual rates and if they didn’t like those rates, they could go somewhere else.”
Exemplifies capitalist indifference to worker welfare and obsession with profit.
24. “Well, it’s my duty to keep labour costs down.”
Shows his priority for financial gain over human concerns, reinforcing Priestley’s critique of capitalism.
25. “I must say, Sybil, that when this comes out at the inquest, it isn’t going to do us much good.”
Focuses on self-preservation rather than morality.
26. “Nothing to do with you, Sheila. Run along.”
Shows his patronising attitude and need for control over his children.
27. “Look , you just keep out of this, Eric.”
Illustrates his dismissive and controlling parenting style.
28. “I don’t suppose you did.”
Short, dismissive line reflecting Birling’s tendency to assume superiority and knowledge over others.
29. “Be quiet, Sheila.”
Again shows his condescending attitude and belief in male authority over women.
30. “This makes a difference, y’know. In fact, it makes all the difference.”
Highlights Birling’s self-interest and tendency to exaggerate minor events for personal gain.
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FAQ’s
What are 5 key quotes from Mr Birling?
- “I say there isn’t a chance of war.” , shows dramatic irony and naivety.
- “A man has to make his own way.” , highlights his individualism and capitalist views.
- “I don’t see why she (Eva Smith) should have been sacked.” , reveals lack of empathy for the working class.
- “I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours List.” , obsession with social status.
- “There’s nothing mysterious , or scandalous , about this business.” , focuses on reputation over morality.
What was Mrs. Birling’s famous quote?
- “I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it.” , shows her denial and refusal to accept responsibility.
- Another key one: “As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money.” , highlights her prejudice and classism.
What quotes show Mr Birling’s arrogance?
- “Fiddlesticks! The Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war.”
- “I say there isn’t a chance of war.”
- “I was almost certain for a knighthood in the next Honours List.”
- “You’re not supposed to say such things.”
What phrase does Mr Birling repeat three times?
- “A man has to make his own way.”
- He repeats the idea of self-reliance and individualism multiple times throughout the play.
What is the most famous quote from An Inspector Calls?
- “We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” , spoken by the Inspector, highlighting the moral lesson.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Best Mr Birling Quotes give a clear insight into his character, showing his arrogance, selfishness, and obsession with social status. Through his words, Priestley highlights the flaws of capitalism and the dangers of ignoring social responsibility. Understanding these quotes helps readers see why Mr Birling is presented as both foolish and morally blind, and how his attitudes contrast with the play’s message about empathy and community.
By revising these Best Mr Birling Quotes, you can easily recall key moments and ideas, making it simpler to analyse his role in the play and write strong, insightful essays.
