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Introduction

In 'An Inspector Calls', J.B. Priestley uses Mr. Birling to symbolize the dangers of selfish capitalism and the older generation's stubbornness. Birling's arrogance, rejection of social responsibility, and obsession with status highlight the flaws in capitalist thinking and the need for greater social unity. Ultimately, Priestley critiques a society that prioritizes wealth and reputation over human decency, warning that without change, history will repeat itself.

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11 views3 pages

Introduction

In 'An Inspector Calls', J.B. Priestley uses Mr. Birling to symbolize the dangers of selfish capitalism and the older generation's stubbornness. Birling's arrogance, rejection of social responsibility, and obsession with status highlight the flaws in capitalist thinking and the need for greater social unity. Ultimately, Priestley critiques a society that prioritizes wealth and reputation over human decency, warning that without change, history will repeat itself.

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fatima.aroua2009
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction

In An Inspector Calls, J.B. Priestley presents Mr Birling as a symbol of


selfish capitalism and the stubborn attitudes of the older generation.
Through his arrogance, lack of empathy, and refusal to accept
responsibility, Priestley criticises a society where the wealthy put profits
and reputation above human decency. Mr Birling represents everything
Priestley warns against, especially the dangers of ignoring our
responsibility to others.

Paragraph 1 – Confident but foolish (dramatic irony)

P: At the start of the play, Mr Birling is shown as overconfident and out of


touch, and Priestley uses dramatic irony to expose his ignorance.
E: He claims, “The Titanic… absolutely unsinkable,” and confidently says
there will be “no chance of war.”
T: The technique of dramatic irony here makes Birling look foolish.
A: The audience, watching after two world wars and the sinking of the
Titanic, know Birling is wrong. This immediately undermines his authority.
Although he tries to appear knowledgeable and experienced, Priestley
shows that he is actually naïve.
A (alternative): Alternatively, Priestley might be showing how dangerous
it is when people like Birling are in charge — their overconfidence blinds
them to reality. His “hard-headed” attitude is not strength, but ignorance.
L: By making Birling wrong about major events, Priestley signals to the
audience that his capitalist beliefs are also flawed, and shouldn’t be
trusted.

Source: BBC Bitesize – Mr Birling

Paragraph 2 – Harsh capitalist views and rejection of social


responsibility

P: Mr Birling strongly rejects the idea of social responsibility, and Priestley


uses him to criticise capitalist thinking.
E: He says, “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself
and his own.”
T: The speech uses repetition (“his own… his own”) to stress his
individualism and selfishness.
A: Birling sees life as a competition, where people should focus only on
themselves. He rejects the idea of community or helping others.
E (extra): He mocks people like the Inspector as “cranks” who believe
“we are all mixed up together like bees in a hive.”
A: The simile “bees in a hive” suggests he sees community and
cooperation as ridiculous or unnatural. But Priestley uses this to show the
opposite — that people should work together. Birling’s mocking tone
shows how out of touch he is with the need for unity in society.
A (alternative): You could also argue that Priestley is warning that if we
continue to follow people like Birling, who reject helping others, society
itself could fall apart — just like the Titanic.
L: Priestley uses Birling to symbolise the selfishness of capitalism, and to
argue for greater social responsibility and care for others.

Source: Save My Exams – Birling Character Quotes

Paragraph 3 – Obsessed with class and status

P: Priestley also presents Mr Birling as obsessed with his reputation and


social status.
E: He says, “There’ll be a public scandal... I was almost certain for a
knighthood.”
T: This shows his concern with appearances and social climbing.
A: Even when faced with the death of a young woman, Birling only worries
about losing his knighthood. His priorities are clear: class, money, and
power come first. Priestley presents him as shallow and morally weak.
A (alternative): On the other hand, Birling’s obsession with status could
be a product of fear. He’s a self-made man and maybe he clings to his
class position because he’s insecure. But Priestley still criticises this
attitude — it leads to selfishness and ignoring the needs of others.
L: Priestley uses Birling to expose how people in power often value
reputation over responsibility, and how that mindset leads to cruelty and
injustice.

Source: LitCharts – Arthur Birling

Paragraph 4 – Refusal to change or accept blame

P: Mr Birling is presented as someone who refuses to accept


responsibility, showing Priestley’s criticism of the older generation.
E: After the Inspector leaves, Birling says, “The whole story’s just a lot of
moonshine.”
T: The metaphor “moonshine” (meaning nonsense) shows his total denial
of guilt.
A: Birling hasn’t learned anything. Even though the Inspector exposed
how each person’s actions contributed to Eva Smith’s death, Birling only
cares that there won’t be a scandal. Priestley contrasts this with younger
characters like Sheila, who are willing to change.
A (alternative): You could argue that Birling’s refusal to change shows
how deep his capitalist beliefs are. Even when faced with the truth, he
clings to his power and control.
L: Priestley uses Mr Birling to represent people who resist progress,
showing that real change in society can only happen when people accept
responsibility.

Source: BBC Bitesize – Theme of Responsibility

Conclusion

Mr Birling is used by Priestley to symbolise the dangers of selfishness,


arrogance, and unchecked capitalism. Through his ignorance, harsh views,
and refusal to take responsibility, Priestley criticises a society where
people care more about money and status than others’ wellbeing. By the
end of the play, it is clear that Birling has not changed — and Priestley
warns that unless we do change, we risk repeating the same mistakes.

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