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Mr Birling and Mrs Birling in An Inspector Calls: Quotes, Analysis, and Character Transformation

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Jess Dodwell

17/07/2022

English Literature

An Inspector Calls: Mr Birling

Mr Birling and Mrs Birling in An Inspector Calls: Quotes, Analysis, and Character Transformation

Mr Birling's character in "An Inspector Calls" evolves throughout the play, revealing his flaws and the consequences of his actions. This analysis explores his presentation at different stages, highlighting his transformation and Priestley's critique of capitalist ideals.

  • Mr Birling embodies capitalist values and self-interest
  • His character arc demonstrates the flaws in his worldview
  • Priestley uses Mr Birling to criticize social inequality and promote collective responsibility
...

17/07/2022

531

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●
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Write about Mr Birling and how he is presented at different points in the play
At the beginning of Act 1, the Birling family are intro

View

Mr Birling's Reaction to Eva Smith's Suicide

As the news of Eva Smith's suicide is revealed, Mr Birling's character is further developed through his dismissive and evasive reactions.

Initially, Mr Birling attempts to sidestep responsibility for his actions during the Inspector's interrogation. His evasive techniques highlight his reluctance to acknowledge any connection to Eva Smith's death.

Highlight: Mr Birling's dismissive attitude towards the suicide reveals his lack of empathy and his prioritization of self-interest over human life.

Priestley structures the text to show a shift in Mr Birling's attitude when he realizes the potential for a "public scandal". This change in demeanor exposes Mr Birling as self-centered and shallow, more concerned with his reputation than the loss of a human life.

Quote: "There'll be a public scandal."

Mr Birling's angry reaction after the Inspector's departure suggests a loss of control and a breakdown of the power he held at the beginning of the play. His emotional response implies a tacit admission of wrongdoing and a fear of potential consequences.

Vocabulary: Tacit - understood or implied without being stated

Priestley further undermines Mr Birling's moral credibility by having him claim that he will "suffer" the most from the news. This self-victimization starkly contrasts with the tragedy of Eva Smith's situation, emphasizing Mr Birling's failure to learn from the experience or embrace collective responsibility.

●
●
●
Write about Mr Birling and how he is presented at different points in the play
At the beginning of Act 1, the Birling family are intro

View

Mr Birling's Presentation in Act 3

In the middle of Act 3, Priestley presents Mr Birling as less confident and more vulnerable, revealing the impact of the Inspector's interrogation on his psyche.

Mr Birling's release of a "huge sigh of relief" upon learning that the Inspector was not a legitimate police officer indirectly confirms his underlying concerns about the implications of the visit. This moment exposes Mr Birling's earlier bravado as a facade, revealing his true vulnerability.

Quote: "He releases a huge sigh of relief."

Priestley uses this shift in Mr Birling's demeanor to contrast his social superiority with his moral inferiority. This juxtaposition serves as a critique of the class system, suggesting that social standing is an unreliable indicator of moral character.

Just before receiving news of another inspector's impending visit, Mr Birling adopts a mocking tone towards his children's empathy. This behavior presents him as cold and uncaring, further emphasizing his inability to learn from the experience or develop genuine compassion.

Highlight: Mr Birling's ridicule of the younger generation's empathy reveals his outdated views and resistance to change.

By the end of the play, Mr Birling's character arc demonstrates the consequences of rigid adherence to capitalist ideals and the failure to embrace social responsibility. Priestley uses this transformation to critique societal structures and promote a more compassionate, collectively responsible approach to human relationships.

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English Literature

531

17 Jul 2022

3 pages

Mr Birling and Mrs Birling in An Inspector Calls: Quotes, Analysis, and Character Transformation

Mr Birling's character in "An Inspector Calls" evolves throughout the play, revealing his flaws and the consequences of his actions. This analysis explores his presentation at different stages, highlighting his transformation and Priestley's critique of capitalist ideals.... Show more

●
●
●
Write about Mr Birling and how he is presented at different points in the play
At the beginning of Act 1, the Birling family are intro

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Mr Birling's Reaction to Eva Smith's Suicide

As the news of Eva Smith's suicide is revealed, Mr Birling's character is further developed through his dismissive and evasive reactions.

Initially, Mr Birling attempts to sidestep responsibility for his actions during the Inspector's interrogation. His evasive techniques highlight his reluctance to acknowledge any connection to Eva Smith's death.

Highlight: Mr Birling's dismissive attitude towards the suicide reveals his lack of empathy and his prioritization of self-interest over human life.

Priestley structures the text to show a shift in Mr Birling's attitude when he realizes the potential for a "public scandal". This change in demeanor exposes Mr Birling as self-centered and shallow, more concerned with his reputation than the loss of a human life.

Quote: "There'll be a public scandal."

Mr Birling's angry reaction after the Inspector's departure suggests a loss of control and a breakdown of the power he held at the beginning of the play. His emotional response implies a tacit admission of wrongdoing and a fear of potential consequences.

Vocabulary: Tacit - understood or implied without being stated

Priestley further undermines Mr Birling's moral credibility by having him claim that he will "suffer" the most from the news. This self-victimization starkly contrasts with the tragedy of Eva Smith's situation, emphasizing Mr Birling's failure to learn from the experience or embrace collective responsibility.

●
●
●
Write about Mr Birling and how he is presented at different points in the play
At the beginning of Act 1, the Birling family are intro

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Mr Birling's Presentation in Act 3

In the middle of Act 3, Priestley presents Mr Birling as less confident and more vulnerable, revealing the impact of the Inspector's interrogation on his psyche.

Mr Birling's release of a "huge sigh of relief" upon learning that the Inspector was not a legitimate police officer indirectly confirms his underlying concerns about the implications of the visit. This moment exposes Mr Birling's earlier bravado as a facade, revealing his true vulnerability.

Quote: "He releases a huge sigh of relief."

Priestley uses this shift in Mr Birling's demeanor to contrast his social superiority with his moral inferiority. This juxtaposition serves as a critique of the class system, suggesting that social standing is an unreliable indicator of moral character.

Just before receiving news of another inspector's impending visit, Mr Birling adopts a mocking tone towards his children's empathy. This behavior presents him as cold and uncaring, further emphasizing his inability to learn from the experience or develop genuine compassion.

Highlight: Mr Birling's ridicule of the younger generation's empathy reveals his outdated views and resistance to change.

By the end of the play, Mr Birling's character arc demonstrates the consequences of rigid adherence to capitalist ideals and the failure to embrace social responsibility. Priestley uses this transformation to critique societal structures and promote a more compassionate, collectively responsible approach to human relationships.

●
●
●
Write about Mr Birling and how he is presented at different points in the play
At the beginning of Act 1, the Birling family are intro

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Mr Birling's Presentation at the Beginning of Act 1

At the start of Act 1, Mr Birling is introduced as a self-important and confident character during the celebration of Sheila Birling and Gerald Croft's engagement.

Priestley presents Mr Birling as a man who defines himself by his business success and economic prowess. He describes himself as a "hard-headed, practical" man, emphasizing his belief in his own authority on worldly and economic matters. This self-description reveals Mr Birling's pride in his perceived success and importance.

Quote: "I'm a hard-headed, practical man of business."

Mr Birling's focus on business and economic success is further emphasized when he refers to himself as a "man of business". This characterization suggests that he views his professional achievements as the most important aspect of his identity.

Highlight: Priestley uses Mr Birling's self-description to reveal his narrow-minded and unempathetic approach to life and relationships.

The author presents Mr Birling's capitalist ideology through his statement that "a man has to mind his own business". This belief system prioritizes individual success over collective well-being, setting up a contrast with the Inspector's later emphasis on social responsibility.

Example: Mr Birling's advice to "look after himself" demonstrates his individualistic worldview, which Priestley critiques throughout the play.

Priestley uses Mr Birling's character to represent the flaws in capitalist thinking, setting the stage for the moral examination that unfolds throughout the play.

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Stefan S

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

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Elisha

iOS user

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