How does Priestly show the confidence of the Birling's in their position?

How does Priestly show the confidence of the Birling's in their position?

1. Not worried about feeling but more about appearance - behaviour

   • "heavily comfortable, but not cosy and homelike." - Superficial confidence - external appearance
     • Language techniques: Contrast, Juxtaposition (opposites), Antithesis

2. Status - Rich vs Poor

   • Socialism vs Capitalism

3. Mr Birling

   • Stage directions: "Clears his throat" - Polite
   • Intimidates

4. Mrs Birling

   • Wife
   • Higher status than Mr Birling: "Arthur you're not supposed to say such things."