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2j america: a nation divided, c1845-1877
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An Inspector Calls: Character Analysis of Mr. Birling
J.B. Priestley presents Mr. Birling as a self-interested capitalist businessman who embodies the flaws of early 20th century society. This character analysis explores Mr. Birling's key traits, quotes, and significance in the play.
09/02/2023
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Mr. Birling is portrayed as a selfish, greedy capitalist in An Inspector Calls, representing the flaws Priestley saw in early 20th century society:
Highlight: Mr. Birling serves as Priestley's mouthpiece to discredit capitalism and promote socialism through dramatic irony and character flaws.
J.B. Priestley introduces Mr. Birling as a self-made businessman who embodies capitalist values and flaws. His selfishness and greed are immediately apparent through his dialogue and actions.
Quote: "A man has to make his own way."
This quote demonstrates Mr. Birling's belief in individualism over community responsibility. He views women as having no place in business, revealing his sexist attitudes.
Mr. Birling is portrayed as self-absorbed and manipulative, using his daughter's marriage strategically for business gain. He dismisses ideas of community and collective responsibility, believing there is no sense in helping others.
Highlight: Priestley uses Mr. Birling to show how the "Eva Smiths" of the world suffer when people like him remain in positions of power.
The author employs dramatic irony throughout to present capitalism negatively and socialism positively. Mr. Birling's ignorant predictions about the future (e.g. the "unsinkable" Titanic) highlight his flawed worldview to the 1945 audience.
Context: When the play was written in 1945, there was no welfare system to help the poor, making Mr. Birling's attitudes even more stark.
Priestley presents Mr. Birling as a successful businessman who has been active in local politics, serving as Lord Mayor of Brumley. However, as the play progresses, it becomes evident that Mr. Birling has little regard for the local community, instead adhering to capitalist philosophies.
Character Analysis: Mr. Birling views himself as a pinnacle of power, attempting to impose his influence gained through status on the Inspector.
As the head of the household, Mr. Birling tries to intimidate the Inspector by mentioning that the Chief Constable is an old friend. This demonstrates his belief that his social position allows him to act as he sees fit.
Example: When questioned about refusing to give his workers a pay raise, Mr. Birling responds with surprise, asking "And you say why?", suggesting he believes his actions need no justification.
Mr. Birling's character serves as a critique of capitalist attitudes and a foil to Priestley's socialist ideals. His self-interest and disregard for community responsibility are central to the play's themes and message.
Highlight: Priestley uses Mr. Birling's character to explore the conflict between individual success and social responsibility, a key theme in An Inspector Calls.
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inspector calls character eric
eric birling character analysis
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An inspector calls
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Lauren Male
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An Inspector Calls: Character Analysis of Mr. Birling
J.B. Priestley presents Mr. Birling as a self-interested capitalist businessman who embodies the flaws of early 20th century society. This character analysis explores Mr. Birling's key traits, quotes, and significance in the play.
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Mr. Birling is portrayed as a selfish, greedy capitalist in An Inspector Calls, representing the flaws Priestley saw in early 20th century society:
Highlight: Mr. Birling serves as Priestley's mouthpiece to discredit capitalism and promote socialism through dramatic irony and character flaws.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
J.B. Priestley introduces Mr. Birling as a self-made businessman who embodies capitalist values and flaws. His selfishness and greed are immediately apparent through his dialogue and actions.
Quote: "A man has to make his own way."
This quote demonstrates Mr. Birling's belief in individualism over community responsibility. He views women as having no place in business, revealing his sexist attitudes.
Mr. Birling is portrayed as self-absorbed and manipulative, using his daughter's marriage strategically for business gain. He dismisses ideas of community and collective responsibility, believing there is no sense in helping others.
Highlight: Priestley uses Mr. Birling to show how the "Eva Smiths" of the world suffer when people like him remain in positions of power.
The author employs dramatic irony throughout to present capitalism negatively and socialism positively. Mr. Birling's ignorant predictions about the future (e.g. the "unsinkable" Titanic) highlight his flawed worldview to the 1945 audience.
Context: When the play was written in 1945, there was no welfare system to help the poor, making Mr. Birling's attitudes even more stark.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Priestley presents Mr. Birling as a successful businessman who has been active in local politics, serving as Lord Mayor of Brumley. However, as the play progresses, it becomes evident that Mr. Birling has little regard for the local community, instead adhering to capitalist philosophies.
Character Analysis: Mr. Birling views himself as a pinnacle of power, attempting to impose his influence gained through status on the Inspector.
As the head of the household, Mr. Birling tries to intimidate the Inspector by mentioning that the Chief Constable is an old friend. This demonstrates his belief that his social position allows him to act as he sees fit.
Example: When questioned about refusing to give his workers a pay raise, Mr. Birling responds with surprise, asking "And you say why?", suggesting he believes his actions need no justification.
Mr. Birling's character serves as a critique of capitalist attitudes and a foil to Priestley's socialist ideals. His self-interest and disregard for community responsibility are central to the play's themes and message.
Highlight: Priestley uses Mr. Birling's character to explore the conflict between individual success and social responsibility, a key theme in An Inspector Calls.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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English Literature - inspector calls character eric
eric birling character analysis
22
688
0
English Literature - Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde revision notes + all themes
Here is all the content for Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde you would need to know! There is a list of themes here and how they are presented in the book. Hope this helps! :)
362
8231
15
English Literature - An inspector calls
This is a study note on ‘an inspector call’s’ character, key quotes and context.
12
261
0
English Literature - Macbeth Act 1, Scene 1 Annotations
Annotations of the first scene in Macbeth with the Witches and questions to answer
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989
0
English Literature - revision Mindmaps for An Inspector Calls and Of Mice and Men
character, themes, context, tequniques to help you when answering exam questions !
29
1591
0
English Literature - A Doll's House Act Summaries
A Doll's House Act Summaries and Analysis
9
208
0
Average app rating
Pupils love Knowunity
In education app charts in 12 countries
Students have uploaded notes
iOS User
Philip, iOS User
Lena, iOS user
