Mr Birling: A Character Analysis
Mr Birling's character in "An Inspector Calls" serves as a powerful critique of capitalist society in early 20th century Britain. As a "hard-headed practical man of business," he embodies the self-absorbed mindset that prioritizes profits over people's well-being.
Quote: "Look Inspector, I'd give thousands"
This quote highlights Mr Birling's attempt to bribe his way out of a difficult situation, showcasing his belief that money can solve any problem. It also reveals his desperation to maintain his social status and business reputation.
Highlight: Priestley uses Mr Birling to show how the upper class overlooked the struggles of the lower and middle classes, comfortable in their privileged positions.
Mr Birling's character analysis reveals several key traits:
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Self-absorbed: He reclaims the spotlight during Gerald and Sheila's engagement announcement, demonstrating his need for attention.
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Patronizing: He belittles others' achievements, particularly those of the younger generation.
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Exploitative: Mr Birling is willing to take advantage of anyone to benefit himself, emphasizing his greed.
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Stubborn: He refuses to accept responsibility for his actions, clinging to his capitalist beliefs.
Example: Mr Birling's toast to "lower costs and higher prices" exemplifies his business-led life and obsession with making money.
Words to describe Mr Birling include capitalist, stubborn, self-absorbed, and patronizing. These characteristics are evident throughout the play, particularly in Act 1, where his true nature is first revealed to the audience.
Vocabulary: Dramatic irony - a literary device where the audience knows more than the characters, used here to ridicule capitalism through Mr Birling's character.
Priestley, a socialist, wrote the play to express his opposing views to the capitalist system. Through Mr Birling's character, he critiques how society's major flaws and capitalist control allow unfair privileges of the upper class to be maintained.
Definition: Collective responsibility - the idea that society as a whole is responsible for the well-being of all its members, a concept Priestley advocated for in contrast to Mr Birling's individualistic views.
Mr Birling's quotes and analysis reveal his dismissive attitude towards social responsibility and his belief in individual success. His statement, "a man has to make his own way," assumes that all lower-class people are lazy, ignoring the systemic barriers they face.
In conclusion, Mr Birling's character analysis showcases him as a representation of the flaws in capitalist society, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing profits over people and refusing to acknowledge collective responsibility.
