Handout
Mr Birling’s Speeches Group Activity
The connection questions contained in this activity support students in analysing Mr Birling's key speeches, and thus enable them to better understand Priestley's portrayal of his character.
Language
English — UKUpdated
This resource is intended for educators in the United Kingdom.
How to Cite This Handout
Facing History & Ourselves, “Mr Birling’s Speeches Group Activity”, last updated June 16, 2020.
You might also be interested in…
Act One Review
Students consider the lessons we can learn from Act One of the play, before adopting the perspectives of characters in both drama tasks and written tasks.
Analysing Gerald’s Character
Students develop their understanding of the character Gerald, exploring the differences between his treatment of Eva/Daisy and Sheila, whilst reflecting on Edwardian gender expectations.
Bearing Witness to Eva Smith
Students reflect on Priestley’s portrayal of Eva Smith and consider the symbolism of having a character who only appears in the narrative second-hand.
Building a Classroom Community
Students work together to create a contract with the aim of developing a reflective classroom community, which is conducive to learning and sharing.
The Cost of Labour
Students explore the moral codes of the world of the play, before being introduced to the concept of a universe of obligation and participating in a debate on workers’ rights.
Developing Character Inferences
Students are introduced to the concept of inferencing; they draw inferences from the opening scene of the play, and consider what messages Priestley sends through the language, character and setting.
Differing Perspectives and Conflict
Students begin Act Two of the play, reflecting on the differences in perception emerging between the characters and considering how conflict can arise from such differences.
Entering the World of the Play
Students begin reading the play, having applied what they have learnt about Priestley and the relevant sociohistorical context to make predictions about its content.
Eric's Decisions and Consent
Students consider the role power plays in the interactions between characters, focusing on the relationship between Eric and Eva, before discussing consent.
Exploring Social Inequality
Students explore social inequality in the UK, discussing how an individual’s background can impact their opportunities before examining graphs that display social inequality and employment trends.
Exploring Where I'm From
Students prepare for reading the play by considering the relationship between the individual and society, and by reflecting on identity. After discussing a poem about identity, they write their own.
Most teachers are willing to tackle the difficult topics, but we need the tools.
—
Gabriela Calderon-Espinal, Bay Shore, NY
