1
1 mark
What is Arthur Birling's primary occupation in the play?
factory owner
lawyer
doctor
banker
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An Inspector Calls (AQA GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions
Exam code: 8702
15 hours204 questions
2
1 mark
How is Arthur Birling's physical appearance first described in the play?
a short, stout man with a cheerful demeanour and ruddy complexion
a tall, thin man with a commanding presence
a heavy-looking, rather portentous man in his middle fifties
a slender, elderly man with a gentle smile and silver hair
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3
1 mark
What is Arthur Birling's attitude toward social responsibility?
Government should take care of everyone.
The wealthy should help the poor.
Society must ensure equality for all.
Everyone should be responsible for themselves.
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4
1 mark
What role did Arthur Birling previously hold in the local government?
Lord Mayor
Chief of Police
Member of Parliament
Town Treasurer
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5
1 mark
Which event does Arthur Birling hope to achieve that reflects his obsession with status?
becoming the Prime Minister
obtaining a knighthood
securing a royal patronage
becoming Lord Mayor
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6
1 mark
What is Arthur Birling’s primary concern throughout the play?
his public reputation
the well-being of his workers
his relationship between his children
the financial success of his business
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7
1 mark
What is Arthur Birling’s attitude towards the possibility of war?
He supports it, seeing it as an opportunity for economic gain.
He fears it and warns his family to prepare for the worst.
He is indifferent, focusing only on his business interests.
He dismisses it, believing that war is unlikely to happen.
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8
1 mark
How does Arthur Birling view his role as an employer?
He sees himself as a protector of his workers' rights and their well-being.
He believes his primary responsibility is to maximise profits for his business.
He prioritises the happiness of his employees and their job satisfaction.
He focuses on providing equal opportunities for advancement to all his workers.
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9
1 mark
What does Arthur Birling’s accent signify about his social status?
His accent is neutral, indicating no particular social class association.
His accent shows he is highly educated, reflecting an upper-class upbringing.
His accent indicates he is from one of London's elite social circles, similar to Gerald’s parents.
His accent belongs to a lower social class compared to his wife and Gerald Croft.
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10
1 mark
Why does Priestley use dramatic irony in Arthur Birling's speeches at the beginning of the play?
to highlight Birling’s compassion for others
to showcase Birling’s intelligence and foresight
to emphasise Birling’s short-sightedness and arrogance
to demonstrate Birling’s knowledge of world events
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11
1 mark
What is Priestley’s likely purpose in depicting Birling as a caricature of a Capitalist businessman?
to critique the selfishness and indifference of the wealthy towards the working class
to praise the successful and hardworking nature of Capitalist businessmen
to depict Birling as an aspirational role model who others in society should follow
to portray Birling as a misunderstood and sympathetic character trapped by societal expectations
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1
1 mark
Why does Arthur Birling primarily refuse to accept responsibility for Eva Smith’s death?
He is too preoccupied with his potential knighthood and social status to care about Eva’s death.
He fears legal repercussions and is acting on the advice of his wife to deny responsibility.
He is genuinely unaware of the consequences his past actions have had on Eva’s death.
He has personal beliefs which do not allow him to acknowledge any responsibility for Eva’s death.
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2
1 mark
How does Priestley use Arthur Birling’s character to contrast with Inspector Goole?
Birling represents Capitalist ideals, while the Inspector embodies Socialist principles and values.
Birling demonstrates compassion and empathy, while the Inspector remains cold and indifferent.
Birling shows an open-minded approach to issues, while the Inspector maintains a narrow perspective.
Birling is depicted as a humble and modest man, while the Inspector exudes arrogance and superiority.
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3
1 mark
What does Birling’s reaction to the potential public scandal reveal about his priorities?
He is more concerned about the moral implications of his actions.
He is more worried about protecting his reputation and social status.
He is primarily worried about the financial impact on his business.
He is indifferent to the consequences and focuses on his family’s well-being.
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4
1 mark
How do Arthur Birling’s confident predictions about the future reinforce the theme of ignorance?
His predictions are accurate, demonstrating his insight and wisdom.
His predictions highlight his deep understanding of social and political issues.
His predictions serve as an example of the dangers of overconfidence.
His predictions reflect the common beliefs of the time period.
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5
1 mark
How does Arthur Birling’s dismissal of the Inspector's warnings about social responsibility reflect the broader theme of individualism versus collectivism?
His dismissal suggests he believes in the importance of collective responsibility and social welfare.
His reaction shows that he prioritises individual success and self-reliance over collective well-being.
His response indicates that he misunderstands the Inspector’s message entirely.
His dismissal demonstrates his willingness to adopt new ideas about social responsibility.
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6
1 mark
How does Arthur Birling's reaction to the news of Eva Smith’s death illustrate his character's views on social hierarchy?
He is deeply remorseful, showing that he values all lives equally regardless of social class.
He is indifferent, reflecting his belief that people of lower social status are less important.
He is shocked and tries to make amends, indicating a change in his views on social hierarchy.
He is confused, as he cannot understand why someone from a lower class would be significant.
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7
1 mark
What does Arthur Birling's dismissal of Eric's concerns about the workers' strike reveal about his character and values?
It shows that Birling is genuinely concerned about the well-being of his workers, even the troublemakers.
It highlights Birling’s focus on maintaining authority and control, even at the expense of fairness.
It indicates that Birling is open to considering his son’s perspective on business matters.
It demonstrates Birling’s belief that the factory strike will improve the company’s profits.
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1
1 mark
What is revealed about Arthur Birling’s character through his attempts to dismiss the severity of the Inspector’s investigation?
It shows his confidence in his ability to control the situation and protect his family's reputation.
It demonstrates his genuine concern for uncovering the truth and addressing any potential wrongdoing.
It reveals his tendency to avoid responsibility and downplay serious issues to protect his own interests.
It suggests he believes the investigation will ultimately benefit his business and social standing.
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2
1 mark
What does Arthur Birling’s reaction to Sheila’s growing awareness and criticism of his actions reveal about his attitude towards younger generations?
It shows that he respects Sheila's perspective and is willing to reconsider his views based on her insights.
It reveals his dismissive attitude towards Sheila and the younger generation and his belief in the superiority of his own judgement.
It indicates that he is proud of Sheila and the younger generation for thinking critically about the situation and for challenging the opinions of others.
It highlights his deep concern for the younger generation and his desire to protect Sheila from harsh realities.
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3
1 mark
Which aspect of Arthur Birling’s character most effectively highlights Priestley’s critique of Capitalism?
his brusque treatment of the Inspector, illustrating his authority and control
his regional accent and lower-class status, reflecting his insecurity in upper-class society
his obsession with public reputation and titles, revealing his concern with social status
his indifference to the plight of his workers, showing a lack of social responsibility
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4
1 mark
How does Priestley use Arthur Birling’s response to the Inspector’s questions to expose his character’s moral shortcomings?
by showing Birling's refusal to accept responsibility for Eva Smith’s death, emphasising his lack of empathy and integrity
by depicting Birling as cooperative and willing to admit his faults, highlighting his sense of justice and ethical principles
by having Birling dodge the Inspector's questioning, demonstrating his cunning intelligence and ability to evade blame
by showing Birling's confusion and indecision when faced with difficult questions, revealing his concern for doing the right thing
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5
1 mark
How does Priestley’s portrayal of Arthur Birling reflect the idea that those in positions of power are often blind to the needs of others?
Priestley challenges this notion by depicting Birling as a kind leader who cares about his employees' welfare.
Priestley supports this idea, as Birling’s self-interest stops him from seeing the struggles of the working class.
Priestley neither supports nor challenges this idea: Birling’s actions are more influenced by external pressures than by his personal beliefs.
Priestley suggests that Birling’s attitudes are partially justified as they endorse social order and economic stability.
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