Mr Birling
- Created by: Former Member
- Created on: 29-01-19 16:04
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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
- He seems to be pretty pleased with himself
- 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.
- "lower costs and higher prices" - Act 1
- 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
- Social responsibility - dismisses the idea of social responsibility and calls people like Goole "cranks"
- Personality
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