Mrs. Birling: The Matriarch

Mrs. Birling, the matriarch of the Birling family, embodies the conservative values and social prejudices of the Edwardian upper class in An Inspector Calls. Her character is crucial in understanding the themes of social responsibility and class divide.

Highlight: Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva Smith when she came to her charity organization is a pivotal moment in the play.

As a prominent member of society, Mrs. Birling prides herself on her social status and moral superiority. She is portrayed as judgmental and dismissive of those she considers beneath her social standing.

Quote: "Girls of that class-"

This statement exemplifies her classist attitudes and her inability to empathize with those less fortunate. Priestley uses Mrs. Birling's character to critique the rigid class system and the lack of compassion among the upper echelons of society.

Mrs. Birling's refusal to accept any responsibility for Eva's death, even when confronted with evidence, showcases her stubborn nature and unwillingness to change. This attitude is representative of the older generation's resistance to social progress.

Example: When questioned about her role in Eva's suicide, Mrs. Birling attempts to shift blame onto the father of Eva's unborn child, unaware that it is her own son, Eric.

Her character is essential in the An Inspector Calls character revision sheet, as she represents the most unyielding and unsympathetic aspects of Edwardian society. Her interactions with the Inspector and her family members highlight the generational and ideological conflicts central to the play.

Vocabulary: Pious - making a hypocritical display of virtue.

Mrs. Birling's character serves as a foil to the younger characters, particularly Sheila, emphasizing the changing attitudes towards social responsibility between generations.

Mr. Birling: The Capitalist Patriarch

Mr. Arthur Birling, the patriarch of the Birling family, is a central character in An Inspector Calls, embodying the capitalist ideals and social conservatism of Edwardian England. His character is crucial for understanding the play's critique of social inequality and the dangers of unchecked capitalism.

Highlight: Mr. Birling's dismissal of collective responsibility and his focus on individual profit are key themes in the play.

As a successful businessman and former Lord Mayor, Mr. Birling represents the established order and the pursuit of social status. He is preoccupied with his reputation and business interests, often at the expense of moral considerations.

Quote: "A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own."

This statement encapsulates Mr. Birling's philosophy, which Priestley uses to criticize the selfish attitudes of the upper class. The playwright portrays Mr. Birling as short-sighted and overly confident in his views, often making pronouncements that the audience knows to be false.

Example: Mr. Birling's assertion that the Titanic is "unsinkable" and that war is impossible serves as dramatic irony, highlighting his flawed judgment.

Mr. Birling's character is essential in the Mr Birling character analysis, as he represents the older generation's resistance to social change and their adherence to outdated values. His attempts to bribe the Inspector and his refusal to accept responsibility for his actions demonstrate his moral corruption.

Vocabulary: Chauvinistic - exhibiting excessive or prejudiced support for one's own cause, group, or sex.

Priestley uses Mr. Birling to explore themes of social responsibility, the dangers of unchecked capitalism, and the need for collective action to address societal issues. His character serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing profit and status over human welfare.

Eric Birling: The Troubled Son

Eric Birling is a complex character in An Inspector Calls, representing the younger generation's struggle with social responsibility. He is portrayed as a troubled young man, grappling with alcoholism and the consequences of his actions.

Highlight: Eric challenges his father's decisions and shows a growing conscience throughout the play.

Eric's relationship with Eva Smith is central to the plot. He gets her pregnant and steals money from his father's business to support her. This act demonstrates both his irresponsibility and his attempt to take responsibility for his actions.

Quote: "You don't understand anything. You never did. You never even tried."

Priestley uses Eric to illustrate the importance of social responsibility and the potential for the younger generation to understand and embrace this concept. Eric's character arc shows a transformation from a careless young man to someone who realizes the impact of his actions on others.

Example: Eric's remorse and willingness to face the consequences of his actions contrast sharply with his parents' attempts to avoid responsibility.

The playwright portrays Eric as feeling belittled and misunderstood by his family, particularly his father. This dynamic highlights the generational conflict present in the play and in Edwardian society.

Vocabulary: Assertive - confident and direct in dealing with others.

Eric's character is crucial in An Inspector Calls character analysis, as he represents both the flaws of his privileged upbringing and the potential for change and growth in the younger generation.