Mr Birling: The Face of Capitalism

Priestley wastes no time showing us exactly what Mr Birling represents. The description "heavy-looking, rather portentous man" immediately tells us he's physically imposing and full of self-importance. His size isn't just about appearance—it's a symbol of his wealth and the threatening power he holds over working-class people.

When Birling declares the Titanic is "unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable," Priestley is setting him up for massive dramatic irony. The audience in 1945 knows the Titanic sank, making Birling look foolish and showing how wrong the overconfident upper classes can be. The repetition emphasises his blind faith in British capitalism and progress.

His philosophy that "a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own" reveals everything wrong with 1912 society. The word "man" shows how patriarchal this world is, whilst "look after himself" exposes his selfish, irresponsible attitude. Notice how he says "his own"—his family are possessions, not people with their own rights.

Key Point: Birling represents the worst aspects of capitalism: greed, selfishness, and complete disregard for social responsibility.