Inspector Calls explores Mr Birling's character as a symbol of... Show more
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29 Dec 2025
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Inspector Calls - Key Quotes from Mr Birling
robyn๐๐ค
@rqbny
1 / 6
An Inspector Calls: Mr Birling
An Inspector Calls presents Mr Birling as a key character representing capitalist values and upper-class privilege. His character serves as a counterpoint to the Inspector's message of social responsibility.
The play examines how Birling's attitudes reflect broader social problems, particularly his dismissal of collective responsibility and his focus on business and profit above human welfare. His character becomes a powerful critique of the selfish individualism that Priestley opposed.
Through Birling's quotes and actions, we see a man obsessed with status, blind to his moral obligations, and ultimately proven wrong by historical events the audience would recognise.
Remember: Mr Birling represents ideas that Priestley wants the audience to reject โ his views are deliberately presented as flawed and harmful.
Dismissing Collective Responsibility
"If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we'd have anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn't it?" This quote perfectly captures Birling's refusal to accept moral responsibility for others.
Notice how he uses the pronoun "we" to shift focus away from individual guilt, while his vagueness helps deflect accountability. The rhetorical question invites agreement, subtly pushing listeners to accept his dismissive attitude toward responsibility.
Priestley uses this moment to challenge the idea that we live in isolation. The play demonstrates that every action has consequences, even indirect ones, and highlights the selfishness of the upper class. Birling's reluctance to accept even partial responsibility for Eva's fate reveals his moral weakness.
Think deeper: When Birling tries to escape responsibility, he's opposing the play's central message that "we are all responsible for one another." How does this connect to social issues today?
Misunderstanding Women's Struggles
"Clothes mean something quite different to a woman" reveals Birling's limited understanding of class struggles, especially for women like Eva. He recognises that clothing represents more than practicalityโit symbolises identity and aspiration in a rigid class society.
However, this statement carries sexist undertones, assuming women are vain while missing the deeper significance. It shows how upper-class men often misunderstood or dismissed women's emotions and challenges.
The quote also suggests a dehumanisation of Eva, who is seen as a prop or plaything by upper-class men. Priestley challenges how men view and treat women, showing the audience how these attitudes lead to harm. He highlights how working-class people are judged by appearance rather than character.
Important insight: Priestley wants his audience to see beyond appearances and recognise the humanity in everyone, regardless of gender or class.
The "Hard-Headed" Businessman
"I speak as a hard-headed man of business" demonstrates how Birling prides himself on being practical, tough and profit-driven. The description "hard-headed" suggests he values logic and money over emotion or morality.
Birling uses this business identity to justify his selfish views and lack of social responsibility. The phrase makes him seem cold and self-serving, encouraging the audience to distrust his judgement and moral compass.
Priestley mockingly portrays this kind of capitalist arrogance, where Birling sees business success as the highest possible achievement. Through this characterisation, Priestley criticises the idea that business interests should come before human welfareโa central theme in the play.
Exam tip: When analysing Birling's character, consider how his business identity conflicts with the Inspector's message of social justice and community.
Failed Predictions
"The Titanic...unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable" represents one of Birling's confident but wrong predictions that the audience would immediately recognise as false. His statements about the Titanic and how war "won't happen" show his false sense of security.
These mistakes reveal Birling as foolish, short-sighted and arrogant. The dramatic irony makes him seem unreliable and somewhat ridiculous in the audience's eyes, undermining his authority and wisdom.
Priestley deliberately uses these wrong predictions to make a broader point: people like Birling who dismiss social change cannot be trusted. The author wanted his 1945 audience, who had just lived through WWII, to see the dangers of ignoring warning signs and refusing to adapt to changing times.
Consider this: How does Birling's inability to predict the future connect to his failure to understand his own responsibility in Eva's death?
Individualism vs Collective Responsibility
"A man has to mind his own business and look after himself" promotes Birling's individualist capitalist view of society. This belief completely ignores any sense of community or shared responsibility.
His philosophy stands in direct contrast to the Inspector's message of collective responsibility. Priestley deliberately sets Birling's selfish worldview against the Inspector's more socialist ideas about caring for others.
Through this contrast, Priestley wants the audience to reject Birling's views and instead support the idea that society must care for all its members. This line shows precisely why characters like Birling are partly to blame for suffering like Eva Smith'sโthey refuse to acknowledge their connection to others.
Think critically: How does Birling's philosophy ("look after himself") connect to modern debates about individual freedom versus social responsibility?
We thought youโd never ask...
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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
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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
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Best app on earth! no words because itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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
Inspector Calls - Key Quotes from Mr Birling
robyn๐๐ค
@rqbny
Inspector Calls explores Mr Birling's character as a symbol of rigid capitalism, selfishness, and moral blindness. Through his statements and attitudes, the play reveals how upper-class arrogance contributes to suffering and injustice for characters like Eva Smith.
An Inspector Calls: Mr Birling
An Inspector Calls presents Mr Birling as a key character representing capitalist values and upper-class privilege. His character serves as a counterpoint to the Inspector's message of social responsibility.
The play examines how Birling's attitudes reflect broader social problems, particularly his dismissal of collective responsibility and his focus on business and profit above human welfare. His character becomes a powerful critique of the selfish individualism that Priestley opposed.
Through Birling's quotes and actions, we see a man obsessed with status, blind to his moral obligations, and ultimately proven wrong by historical events the audience would recognise.
Remember: Mr Birling represents ideas that Priestley wants the audience to reject โ his views are deliberately presented as flawed and harmful.
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
Dismissing Collective Responsibility
"If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we'd have anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn't it?" This quote perfectly captures Birling's refusal to accept moral responsibility for others.
Notice how he uses the pronoun "we" to shift focus away from individual guilt, while his vagueness helps deflect accountability. The rhetorical question invites agreement, subtly pushing listeners to accept his dismissive attitude toward responsibility.
Priestley uses this moment to challenge the idea that we live in isolation. The play demonstrates that every action has consequences, even indirect ones, and highlights the selfishness of the upper class. Birling's reluctance to accept even partial responsibility for Eva's fate reveals his moral weakness.
Think deeper: When Birling tries to escape responsibility, he's opposing the play's central message that "we are all responsible for one another." How does this connect to social issues today?
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
Misunderstanding Women's Struggles
"Clothes mean something quite different to a woman" reveals Birling's limited understanding of class struggles, especially for women like Eva. He recognises that clothing represents more than practicalityโit symbolises identity and aspiration in a rigid class society.
However, this statement carries sexist undertones, assuming women are vain while missing the deeper significance. It shows how upper-class men often misunderstood or dismissed women's emotions and challenges.
The quote also suggests a dehumanisation of Eva, who is seen as a prop or plaything by upper-class men. Priestley challenges how men view and treat women, showing the audience how these attitudes lead to harm. He highlights how working-class people are judged by appearance rather than character.
Important insight: Priestley wants his audience to see beyond appearances and recognise the humanity in everyone, regardless of gender or class.
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
The "Hard-Headed" Businessman
"I speak as a hard-headed man of business" demonstrates how Birling prides himself on being practical, tough and profit-driven. The description "hard-headed" suggests he values logic and money over emotion or morality.
Birling uses this business identity to justify his selfish views and lack of social responsibility. The phrase makes him seem cold and self-serving, encouraging the audience to distrust his judgement and moral compass.
Priestley mockingly portrays this kind of capitalist arrogance, where Birling sees business success as the highest possible achievement. Through this characterisation, Priestley criticises the idea that business interests should come before human welfareโa central theme in the play.
Exam tip: When analysing Birling's character, consider how his business identity conflicts with the Inspector's message of social justice and community.
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
Failed Predictions
"The Titanic...unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable" represents one of Birling's confident but wrong predictions that the audience would immediately recognise as false. His statements about the Titanic and how war "won't happen" show his false sense of security.
These mistakes reveal Birling as foolish, short-sighted and arrogant. The dramatic irony makes him seem unreliable and somewhat ridiculous in the audience's eyes, undermining his authority and wisdom.
Priestley deliberately uses these wrong predictions to make a broader point: people like Birling who dismiss social change cannot be trusted. The author wanted his 1945 audience, who had just lived through WWII, to see the dangers of ignoring warning signs and refusing to adapt to changing times.
Consider this: How does Birling's inability to predict the future connect to his failure to understand his own responsibility in Eva's death?
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
Individualism vs Collective Responsibility
"A man has to mind his own business and look after himself" promotes Birling's individualist capitalist view of society. This belief completely ignores any sense of community or shared responsibility.
His philosophy stands in direct contrast to the Inspector's message of collective responsibility. Priestley deliberately sets Birling's selfish worldview against the Inspector's more socialist ideas about caring for others.
Through this contrast, Priestley wants the audience to reject Birling's views and instead support the idea that society must care for all its members. This line shows precisely why characters like Birling are partly to blame for suffering like Eva Smith'sโthey refuse to acknowledge their connection to others.
Think critically: How does Birling's philosophy ("look after himself") connect to modern debates about individual freedom versus social responsibility?
We thought youโd 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 โ all at your fingertips.
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Students love us โ 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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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