Mr Birling

Mr Birling

1. Proud of his reputable social standing.

   • Concerned that he does not have the same social standing as the Crofts.
     • See's the engagement as a business deal
       • "Crofts limited are both older and bigger than Birling and Company ... perhaps we may look forward to the time when (we).... are working together for lower costs and higher prices"
   • He seems to frequently remind people of his social standing
     • "I was Lord Mayor here over two years ago ... There is a very good chance of knighthood"
       • J.B Priestly seems to be criticising Mr Briling because it becomes obvious that he actually has no interest in helping the community
         • "Community and all that nonsense"

2. Unsympathetic

   • Mr Birling sacked Eva because she demanded a higher (fair) wage and went on strike.
     • Rather than considering her personal circumstance or what she was contributing to the business, he sacked her with little thought, despite admitting she was a hard worker.
       • "She's had a lot to say - far too much - so she had to go"
       • HIs lack of regret makes it hard to sympathise with him
         • We see he is ignoring his responsibility and trying to exert his authority onto the Inspector as a threat, even though it has no effect.
           • Reminding him of his position in society - chief constable, Colonel Roberts is "an old friend of his".
           • Eventually Inspector makes it clear that "Public men .. have responsibilities as well as privileges"
         • Makes him more dislikable

3. Does not believe in social responsibility

   • His opinions of "community and all that nonsense" come directly after he claims that "The German's don't want war" and "The Titanic ... is absolutely unsinkable"
     • Dramatic Irony
       • The titanic symbolises is own family - he believes they are untouchable until the Inspector arrives, giving them rude awakening.
     • Undermining Birling's future opinions - they are devalued
     • Therefore when Birling follows up by saying "community and all that nonsense" the audience believes his opinions are false.
       • Priestley gets the audience to agree with his own socialist views that community is, in fact, far from nonsense.
       • Structure
   • He often uses the pronoun "I", conveying his selfish attitude.
     • I was an alderman for years – and Lord Mayor two years ago – and I’m still on the Bench – so I know the Brumley police offers pretty well
     • However as the play continues he switches to the including pronoun "we" to diminish the scale of the problem (Eva's death) and shift blame.
       • He is selfish, only uses others (inc. his own family) for his benefit,
         • Willing to tell Eric off for what he did, but not willing to acknowledge the wrong in his actions.
         • HOW DOES THIS REFLECT THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY?

4. Realistic character

   • Colloquial language appropriate for the time.
     • "y'know"
     • His authority is breaking down
   • Described as "panic stricken"
     • His defiance and bravado have finally been shattered
     • Priestley lets the audience see someone who is so blindly wrong and never as really in control of events as he would like himself and others to think.
       • Audience feels a slight sense of sympathy, but also glad that Mr Birling's confidence is starting to break down.