Mr Birling

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  • Arthur Birling
    • Personality
      • He seems to be pretty pleased with himself
        • He is head of the family and runs his own business
        • Likes to be in control and keeps reminding everyone that he's in charge
        • Over the play his authority is undermined by the Inspector
        • He uses authorative language to be in control
      • Successful businessman but underneath an anxious man
        • He sees his marriage as a business deal - the two families' companies could merge
        • Very optimistic about the future. He thinks there will be no war and this adds to the dramatic irony in the play.
        • He is constantly trying to win the Crofts' approval by talking about a knighthood.
        • He likes to seem important by mentioning his connections with people in high places - he plays golf with the chief inspector
    • Quotes
      • "lower costs and higher prices" - Act 1
        • He sees his marriage as a business deal - the two families' companies could merge
      • "a man has to make his own way" - Act 1
      • "there's a very good chance of a knighthood" - Act 1
        • He is constantly trying to win the Crofts' approval by talking about a knighthood.
    • Themes
      • Social responsibility - dismisses the idea of social responsibility and calls people like Goole "cranks"
        • There is juxtaposition between Birling and Priestley - Priestley was a socialist
        • He won't accept responsibility for Eva Smith and would rather pass off the Inspector's visit as a hoax rather than face up to what he's done.
      • Social class - Birling's a wealthy businessman but it was more prestigious to come from a country family like the crofts.
        • Birling is part of the Bourgeoisie and believes in Capitalism - Priestley's view, socialism, threatens his middle class values

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