An Inspector Calls is a powerful critique of social inequality... Show more
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Bella Findlay
17/07/2025
English Literature
How does Priestley present Mr and Mrs Birling as representations for the need of social change?
557
•
17 Jul 2025
•
Learn About Birlings Social Change in An Inspector Calls
Bella Findlay
@bellafindlay_uk
![How does Priestley present Mr and Mrs Birling as representations for the need of social
change?
[30 marks]
Priestley acted as one of many ca](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent-eu-central-1.knowunity.com%2FCONTENT%2FlPxkIhVCkNcrhJqJTiiT_image_page_1.webp&w=2048&q=75)
Dramatic Irony and Character Flaws
Priestley employs dramatic irony to undermine Mr Birling's character and expose the flaws in his worldview. This literary device is particularly effective given the play's setting in 1912 and its performance in 1945, allowing the audience to recognize the irony in Mr Birling's statements.
Definition: Dramatic irony - A literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters in the story.
Mr Birling's confident assertion about the Titanic being "unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable" serves as a prime example of dramatic irony. The audience, aware of the Titanic's fate, immediately recognizes Mr Birling's ignorance and arrogance.
Quote: "Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable"
This statement not only undermines Mr Birling's credibility but also symbolizes the hubris of the upper class and their misplaced confidence in the existing social order.
Priestley uses the Titanic as an extended metaphor for class division, reflecting the hierarchical structure of society. The separation of passengers by class on the ship mirrors the social stratification in Edwardian England.
Example: The Titanic's class-based layout, with first-class passengers on upper decks and third-class passengers confined below, parallels the social hierarchy Priestley critiques in the play.
The playwright challenges the notion that the older generation's opinions should be accepted without question. By portraying Mr Birling as foolish and short-sighted, Priestley encourages the audience to question authority and traditional social structures.
Highlight: Priestley's portrayal of Mr Birling serves to expose the flaws in the generation battle, suggesting that age does not necessarily equate to wisdom or moral superiority.
Mr and Mrs Birling character study for GCSE reveals how Priestley uses these characters to represent the outdated and harmful social attitudes that he believed needed to change. Their resistance to new ideas and their prioritization of wealth and status over human welfare serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked capitalism and social inequality.
![How does Priestley present Mr and Mrs Birling as representations for the need of social
change?
[30 marks]
Priestley acted as one of many ca](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent-eu-central-1.knowunity.com%2FCONTENT%2FlPxkIhVCkNcrhJqJTiiT_image_page_2.webp&w=2048&q=75)
Mr and Mrs Birling as Representations of Social Inequality
J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls' presents Mr and Mrs Birling as embodiments of the social inequality prevalent in Edwardian England. The play, set in 1912 but written in 1945, serves as a critique of the capitalist mindset and highlights the urgent need for social change. Priestley uses these characters to illustrate the detrimental effects of class division and the exploitation of workers.
Highlight: Priestley uses the dinner celebration scene to juxtapose the older and younger generations, immediately highlighting their conflicting views on social responsibility.
Mr Birling's attitude towards his daughter's engagement reveals his capitalist mindset. He views the union not as a celebration of love, but as a business opportunity. This is evident in his statement about "working together - for lower costs and higher prices."
Quote: "When Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but working together - for lower costs and higher prices"
This quote exposes Mr Birling's true intentions, showing how he prioritizes profit over personal relationships. The phrase "working together" is a euphemism for monopolizing businesses, a practice that, while not illegal, was considered unethical.
Vocabulary: Monopolizing - The act of obtaining exclusive possession or control of a trade or service.
Mr Birling's capitalist ideology is further emphasized when he speaks about his "duty to keep labour costs down." This statement reveals his view of workers as mere commodities rather than human beings.
Example: Mr Birling's attitude towards his workers is exemplified when he refers to them as "costs" rather than people, demonstrating his dehumanizing perspective on the working class.
Priestley contrasts Mr Birling's views with those of his son, Eric, who argues that "these girls aren't cheap labour- they're people." This generational conflict highlights the changing attitudes towards social equality and workers' rights.
Definition: Generational conflict - A clash of ideas, beliefs, and attitudes between different age groups, often reflecting changing social norms and values.
An Inspector Calls social inequality analysis reveals how Priestley uses Mr and Mrs Birling to represent the older generation's resistance to social change. Their attitudes and beliefs serve as a foil to the more progressive views of their children, emphasizing the need for societal reform.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
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
Android user
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
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
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
Android user
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
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Learn About Birlings Social Change in An Inspector Calls
Bella Findlay
@bellafindlay_uk
An Inspector Calls is a powerful critique of social inequality and class divisions in early 20th century Britain. Priestley's representation of the Birlings showcases the need for social change, contrasting the older generation's capitalist views with the younger characters'... Show more
Dramatic Irony and Character Flaws
Priestley employs dramatic irony to undermine Mr Birling's character and expose the flaws in his worldview. This literary device is particularly effective given the play's setting in 1912 and its performance in 1945, allowing the audience to recognize the irony in Mr Birling's statements.
Definition: Dramatic irony - A literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters in the story.
Mr Birling's confident assertion about the Titanic being "unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable" serves as a prime example of dramatic irony. The audience, aware of the Titanic's fate, immediately recognizes Mr Birling's ignorance and arrogance.
Quote: "Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable"
This statement not only undermines Mr Birling's credibility but also symbolizes the hubris of the upper class and their misplaced confidence in the existing social order.
Priestley uses the Titanic as an extended metaphor for class division, reflecting the hierarchical structure of society. The separation of passengers by class on the ship mirrors the social stratification in Edwardian England.
Example: The Titanic's class-based layout, with first-class passengers on upper decks and third-class passengers confined below, parallels the social hierarchy Priestley critiques in the play.
The playwright challenges the notion that the older generation's opinions should be accepted without question. By portraying Mr Birling as foolish and short-sighted, Priestley encourages the audience to question authority and traditional social structures.
Highlight: Priestley's portrayal of Mr Birling serves to expose the flaws in the generation battle, suggesting that age does not necessarily equate to wisdom or moral superiority.
Mr and Mrs Birling character study for GCSE reveals how Priestley uses these characters to represent the outdated and harmful social attitudes that he believed needed to change. Their resistance to new ideas and their prioritization of wealth and status over human welfare serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked capitalism and social inequality.
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 and Mrs Birling as Representations of Social Inequality
J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls' presents Mr and Mrs Birling as embodiments of the social inequality prevalent in Edwardian England. The play, set in 1912 but written in 1945, serves as a critique of the capitalist mindset and highlights the urgent need for social change. Priestley uses these characters to illustrate the detrimental effects of class division and the exploitation of workers.
Highlight: Priestley uses the dinner celebration scene to juxtapose the older and younger generations, immediately highlighting their conflicting views on social responsibility.
Mr Birling's attitude towards his daughter's engagement reveals his capitalist mindset. He views the union not as a celebration of love, but as a business opportunity. This is evident in his statement about "working together - for lower costs and higher prices."
Quote: "When Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but working together - for lower costs and higher prices"
This quote exposes Mr Birling's true intentions, showing how he prioritizes profit over personal relationships. The phrase "working together" is a euphemism for monopolizing businesses, a practice that, while not illegal, was considered unethical.
Vocabulary: Monopolizing - The act of obtaining exclusive possession or control of a trade or service.
Mr Birling's capitalist ideology is further emphasized when he speaks about his "duty to keep labour costs down." This statement reveals his view of workers as mere commodities rather than human beings.
Example: Mr Birling's attitude towards his workers is exemplified when he refers to them as "costs" rather than people, demonstrating his dehumanizing perspective on the working class.
Priestley contrasts Mr Birling's views with those of his son, Eric, who argues that "these girls aren't cheap labour- they're people." This generational conflict highlights the changing attitudes towards social equality and workers' rights.
Definition: Generational conflict - A clash of ideas, beliefs, and attitudes between different age groups, often reflecting changing social norms and values.
An Inspector Calls social inequality analysis reveals how Priestley uses Mr and Mrs Birling to represent the older generation's resistance to social change. Their attitudes and beliefs serve as a foil to the more progressive views of their children, emphasizing the need for societal reform.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
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
Android user
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
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
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
Android user
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
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user