Mr Birling

In this lesson, we will focus on how Priestley presents the character of Mr Birling. We will explore the character development of Mr Birling and revise key contextual knowledge that allows us to form a developed interpretation of his character. This lesson makes reference to the topics of violence and suicide. If these issues are sensitive for you, we recommend checking with a trusted adult before starting, or doing the lesson with a trusted adult nearby.

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.What is the correct definition of 'ambivalent'?

When you have a clear understanding if you like something or someone. When you respect someone because of their actions. When you are determined to like someone despite having mixed feelings. When you have mixed or opposite feelings towards someone or something.

1/5

Q2.What is the definition of 'repentant'?

Feeling sincere regret or remorse. Feeling sympathy and support. Feeling freedom and equality. Feeling unhappy.

2/5

Q3.How do both Sheila and Eric treat Eva?

They are kind and charitable. They dehumanise her. They feel emotive towards her when they first meet her. They treat her equally and fairly.

3/5

Q4.Which adjectives describe Eric at the end of the play?

emotional, miserable and repentant compassionate, assertive and repentant superficial, callous and repentant victimised, weak, and repentant

4/5

Q5.Why can Eric be described at deplorable?

His exploitation of Eva and stealing from his family. He keeps secrets from his family. He is argumentative. He is selfish and spoilt.

5/5

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.What is the correct definition of 'ambivalent'?

1/5

Q2.What is the definition of 'repentant'?

Feeling sincere regret or remorse. Feeling sympathy and support. Feeling freedom and equality. Feeling unhappy.

2/5

Q3.How do both Sheila and Eric treat Eva?

They are kind and charitable. They dehumanise her. They feel emotive towards her when they first meet her. They treat her equally and fairly.

3/5

Q4.Which adjectives describe Eric at the end of the play?

emotional, miserable and repentant compassionate, assertive and repentant superficial, callous and repentant victimised, weak, and repentant

4/5

Q5.Why can Eric be described at deplorable?

His exploitation of Eva and stealing from his family. He keeps secrets from his family. He is argumentative. He is selfish and spoilt.

5/5

Video

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This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Mr Birling

Take the quiz to check your understanding of the important knowledge and vocabulary covered in lesson 5.

Q1.What is the correct definition of 'complacency'?

Feeling very laid back and relaxed because you have enough money. Someone who is very worried about their past. Someone who is very annoyed because they know something terrible is about to happen. Someone who is very pleased or self-satisfied, especially when unaware of upcoming trouble.

1/5

Q2.What is the definition of 'caricature'?

An exaggerated representation of something to create a grotesque or comical effect. A realistic representation of something to create a powerful effect. To create a character that is fictional but believable. Something that you can turn into a cartoon.

2/5

Q3.What is the correct definition of 'galvanise'?

To create an effect. To shock or excite into action. To push along. To find a solution.

3/5

Q4.Which adjectives describe Mr Birling at the end of the play?

complacent, emotional, weak complacent, arrogant, ignorant superficial, callous, repentant strong, concerned, hopeful

4/5

Q5.Why can Mr Birling be described as complacent?

He is happy with the status quo and sees no value in changing society. He changes dramatically in the play. He becomes more responsible. He has learns a valuable lesson.

5/5

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Mr Birling

Take the quiz to check your understanding of the important knowledge and vocabulary covered in lesson 5.

Q1.What is the correct definition of 'complacency'?

1/5

Q2.What is the definition of 'caricature'?

2/5

Q3.What is the correct definition of 'galvanise'?

To create an effect. To shock or excite into action. To push along. To find a solution.

3/5

Q4.Which adjectives describe Mr Birling at the end of the play?

complacent, emotional, weak complacent, arrogant, ignorant superficial, callous, repentant strong, concerned, hopeful

4/5

Q5.Why can Mr Birling be described as complacent?

He is happy with the status quo and sees no value in changing society. He changes dramatically in the play. He becomes more responsible. He has learns a valuable lesson.

5/5

Lesson summary: Mr Birling

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Revisiting: An Inspector Calls
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Mrs Birling

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Mr Birling

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Video

Mr Birling

Mr Birling

Lesson summary: Mr Birling

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Time to move!

The next lesson in: Revisiting: An Inspector Calls is: Mrs Birling

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The next lesson in:
Revisiting: An Inspector Calls
is:
Mrs Birling