Mr. Birling's Arrogance in Act One

Mr. Birling's Arrogance in Act One

• Mr. Birling is portrayed as arrogant due to his overconfidence and dismissal of others' opinions.
• He dismisses the possibility of war, declaring, "The Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war. [...] I say there isn’t a chance of war."
• This statement, proven wrong by the outbreak of World War I, reveals Birling's inflated sense of self-importance and lack of foresight.
• Priestley uses dramatic irony to highlight Birling's arrogance and critique the hubris of the upper class.
• Birling insists that "The Titanic – she sails next week... and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable," showcasing his foolish overconfidence.
• His insistence on being right, even when faced with contradictory evidence, exposes his arrogance.
• Birling emphasizes his social status to intimidate others, stating, "I’m a public man – and I’ll admit it."
• His belief that his position commands respect and protects him from scrutiny reflects his sense of superiority.
• Through Birling, Priestley critiques the arrogance of the wealthy who believe social status excuses unethical behavior.

Mr. Birling's Attitude Toward Social Class in Act One

• Mr. Birling's dismissive view of the working class reflects his classist attitudes.
• He says of Eva Smith, "She had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go," demonstrating his disregard for the working class.
• His harsh decision to dismiss Eva Smith for asking for higher wages reinforces the idea that he sees the lower class as beneath him.
• Priestley critiques the oppressive nature of capitalism, where the voices of the working class are silenced for the benefit of the rich.
• Birling's attitude toward his family highlights his belief in social hierarchy.
• He tells Sheila, "I’m not going to have this Inspector talking to you like that," showing his desire to maintain social order.
• His reaction demonstrates how he views his family as a symbol of his social status, reflecting his desire to control everyone around him.
• Birling's snobbish attitude towards the lower classes is revealed through his business dealings.
• He believes that "A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own," reflecting his lack of concern for the welfare of others.
• Priestley critiques the capitalist mindset of the time, where the wealthy refused to acknowledge their responsibility to society and the less privileged.

Priestley's Critique of Capitalism Through Mr. Birling in Act One

• Priestley uses Mr. Birling to critique capitalism and the social inequalities that come with it.
• Birling's praise of capitalism, stating "You’ll hear some people say that war’s inevitable. And to that I say – fiddlesticks!" reflects his overconfidence in the system.
• This attitude fails to acknowledge the broader social issues and inequality caused by capitalism.
• Priestley warns against a system that exploits workers for the benefit of the wealthy and ignores the needs of the wider society.
• Birling's treatment of Eva Smith highlights his capitalist mindset and disregard for the working class.
• He calls Eva Smith "a troublemaker" when she asks for better wages, reflecting his belief that workers should be grateful for their positions and never demand more.
• Through Birling's actions, Priestley critiques a system that exploits the working class and dismisses their struggles for the benefit of the wealthy elite.
• Birling's belief in the importance of self-interest and profit is central to his character and Priestley's critique of capitalism.
• Birling proudly says, "I’m talking about the future, and I tell you that the future’s not only safe, but it’s going to be bigger and better than ever," showing how capitalism encourages a narrow, individualistic view of success.
• Priestley uses Birling's optimism about capitalism to illustrate how the system ignores the real consequences of inequality and social injustice.

Mr. Birling's Relationship with His Family

• His relationships reveal his desire for control and his prioritization of status over familial bonds.
• When Sheila is upset by the engagement, Mr. Birling says, “You’re just the kind of son-in-law I’ve always wanted.”
• Mr. Birling’s focus on marriage as a means of maintaining or improving social status shows how he views his children as commodities.
• This emphasizes Priestley’s critique of capitalist society, where individuals are valued for what they can offer materially or socially rather than emotionally or morally.
• Birling expects unquestioning obedience.
• When the Inspector arrives, Birling attempts to control the situation, stating, “I’m a public man – and I’ll admit it.”
• Priestley critiques the authoritarian nature of upper-class families, where decisions are made with little regard for personal relationships or moral responsibility.
• Mr. Birling shows a paternalistic and controlling side.
• He tells Sheila, “I’ve been trying to help you and get you to see the difference between right and wrong.”
• Priestley uses Birling’s relationship with his family to explore the wider theme of control within society, where authority figures often impose their will without considering the needs or voices of others.

Mr. Birling's Belief in Individualism

• It is one of the key ways Priestley critiques the values of the time.
• He says, “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”
• Mr. Birling believes that individuals are solely responsible for their own success or failure, which is aligned with the capitalist mindset of the time.
• Priestley uses Mr. Birling to criticize the harmful effects of individualism, which encourages selfishness and a lack of concern for others in society.
• He mocks the idea of collective action, saying, “Public men, Mr. Croft, have their responsibilities.”
• Through Birling’s views, Priestley critiques the selfish values that were prevalent in capitalist society, where the rich were unwilling to acknowledge their role in societal problems.
• His actions suggest that he does not believe in social responsibility.
• His reluctance to acknowledge any responsibility for Eva Smith’s death shows his disregard for collective well-being.
• Priestley exposes the hypocrisy of those in power who claim to value community but ultimately reject the idea of social responsibility when it inconveniences them.

Mr. Birling's View on Responsibility

• It is rooted in his belief that individuals should only be responsible for themselves.
• He says, “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”
• He rejects the idea of collective responsibility and emphasizes personal responsibility.
• Priestley uses Birling’s views on responsibility to critique the selfishness inherent in capitalist thinking, suggesting that it leads to a lack of accountability for social issues.
• Birling's refusual to accept responsibility is also shown in his attitude toward his family.
• When discussing his business with Gerald, Birling says, “I’ve got to cover my back, haven’t I?”
• Priestley uses this to show how Mr. Birling’s obsession with self-interest leads to a lack of moral guidance and accountability for his actions.
• He insists that he did nothing wrong in dismissing Eva Smith.
• Birling states, “I can’t accept any responsibility.”
• Priestley critiques the attitudes of the wealthy, who often evade accountability, allowing social injustices to continue unchallenged.

Mr. Birling's Role as a Businessman

• It significantly shapes his views on responsibility and social issues.
• He says, “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”
• This mindset leads him to focus on profit and self-interest rather than social welfare.
• Priestley uses Mr. Birling to show how the capitalist system shapes the worldview of those who benefit from it, often ignoring the needs and welfare of others.
• His business mentality is evident in his treatment of employees and his disregard for their welfare.
• He proudly admits to firing Eva Smith, stating, “She was a troublemaker.”
• Through Birling, Priestley critiques the capitalist system, showing how it breeds an environment where the welfare of workers is disregarded in favor of profit maximization.
• Capitalist views influence his understanding of social responsibility and collective action.
• Birling tells the Inspector, “I’m a public man – and I’ll admit it.”
• Priestley uses Birling’s character to demonstrate how the business world encourages a disregard for social responsibility and ethical behavior, focusing instead on self-preservation.

Mr. Birling's Reaction to the Inspector's Questioning

• He reacts defensively, showing his sense of superiority.
• Mr. Birling says, “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
• Priestley uses Birling’s defensive attitude to critique the arrogance of the upper class, suggesting that they are quick to deny responsibility and avoid accountability.
• Birling becomes increasingly frustrated with the Inspector’s probing questions.
• He says, “I’m not going to have this Inspector talking to me like that!”
• Through Birling’s reaction, Priestley highlights the arrogance and entitlement of the upper class, who feel they are above questioning or accountability.
• He reveals his inability to see the broader picture.
• “I don’t see why you should come here and start making all these insinuations.”
• Priestley uses this to emphasize Birling’s limited vision and his refusal to acknowledge the interconnectedness of society, which contrasts with the Inspector’s broader sense of social responsibility.

Mr. Birling's Attitude Towards Women

• His attitude towards women reflects his traditional and patriarchal views.
• He refers to his wife as “her” when discussing their family business and states, “Sheila’s a good girl.”
• Priestley uses Birling’s attitude towards women to highlight the societal norms of the early 20th century, where women were often seen as inferior and confined to domestic roles.
• It is shown in his treatment of Eva Smith.
• He says, “She was a troublemaker and a bad worker.”
• Priestley uses Birling’s treatment of Eva to critique the exploitation of women in the workplace, showing how men in power often saw women as inferior and easily replaceable.
• He believes that Sheila should simply settle down and marry.
• Birling tells Sheila, “I’m sure you’ll be a very good housewife.”
• Priestley uses Birling’s comments to show the limitations imposed on women in the early 20th century, where their roles were largely confined to marriage and family.

Mr. Birling's Role in the Community

• His belief is linked to self-reliance and individualism.
• H says, “I’m a public man – and I’ll admit it.”
• Through Birling’s character, Priestley critiques the lack of social responsibility among the wealthy, showing how they view their position as a privilege rather than a duty to help others.
• He highlights his belief in the stability and progress of capitalism.
• He asserts, “The future’s going to be bigger and better than ever.”
• Priestley uses Birling’s belief in the progress of capitalism to highlight the complacency of the upper class, who fail to recognize the social inequalities that capitalism creates.
• His role reveals his desire to maintain his social status.
• He proudly mentions his knighthood, saying, “I’ve worked hard for it, and I deserve it.”
• Through Birling’s attitude, Priestley critiques the way in which social status is often seen as an indicator of personal worth, even though it is often built on the exploitation of others.

Mr. Birling's Attitude Towards Marriage

• Mr. Birling sees marriage as a way to improve social and business connections rather than as a romantic union.
• He says, “Your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me… Crofts and Birlings are working together – for lower costs and higher prices.”
• Priestley uses Birling’s views on marriage to critique the upper class’s transactional approach to relationships, showing how they prioritize wealth and status over genuine human connections.
• He believes that maintaining social status through marriage is more important than emotional compatibility.
• He tells Gerald, “You’re just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted.”
• Priestley critiques the upper class’s tendency to treat marriage as a means of securing financial and social advantages rather than as a bond based on love and equality.
• He dismisses the idea that emotions or individual happiness should play a significant role in marriage.
• He tells Sheila, “Now, Sheila, don’t tease him. When you’re married, you’ll realize that men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business.”
• Priestley highlights the rigid gender expectations in upper-class marriages, reinforcing the idea that women were often expected to be passive and supportive rather than independent individuals.

Mr. Birling's Response to Responsibility

• Mr. Birling believes in personal responsibility rather than collective responsibility.
• He insists, “A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself – and his family too, of course.”
• Priestley uses Birling to critique the capitalist mindset, arguing that it leads to a lack of social responsibility and the neglect of the vulnerable.
• He avoids responsibility by blaming others.
• When questioned about firing Eva Smith, he defends himself, saying, “It’s my duty to keep labour costs down.”
• Priestley uses Birling’s attitude to highlight the flaws of capitalism, where profit is valued over morality and workers’ rights.
• Thinks responsibility should be avoided if it threatens his reputation.
• He insists, “There’s nothing scandalous about this business.”
• Priestley criticizes the upper class for their lack of accountability, showing how they prioritize status and reputation over ethical behavior.

Mr Birling's Treatment of Eva Smith

• He sees workers like Eva as expendable and not worthy of respect.
• He says, “She’d had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go.”
• Priestley uses this to highlight the power imbalance between the working class and capitalist employers like Birling.
• Exploiting workers is justified in the name of business.
• “It’s my duty to keep labour costs down.”
• Priestley criticises this capitalist mindset, suggesting that it leads to the suffering of the vulnerable like Eva Smith.
• Moral responsibility for Eva’s death is not accepted.
• “I can’t accept any responsibility.”
• Priestley uses Birling’s coldness to show how the upper class often escape blame, even when they contribute to social harm.

Mr Birling's Reaction to Inspector Goole's Authority

• Birling is immediately defensive and attempts to assert dominance over the Inspector.
• He says, “I was an alderman for years – and Lord Mayor two years ago… so I know the Brumley police officers pretty well.”
• Priestley uses this to critique the belief that the upper class are above questioning or accountability.
• Reacts with anger when the Inspector challenges his views
• “Look here, Inspector, I consider this uncalled-for and officious.”
• Priestley reveals how fragile the authority of men like Birling really is when confronted by moral questioning.
• Birling underestimates the Inspector and tries to control the situation.
• He asks, “Is there any reason why my wife should answer questions from you, Inspector?”
• Priestley highlights the arrogance of the upper class, who believe their status puts them above the law.

Mr Birling as Selfish

• He is primarily concerned with how events affect his business.
• Hje says, “The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else.”
• Priestley uses this selfishness to criticise the lack of compassion among capitalists.
• More concerned about a potential scandal than about a girl’s death.
• “There’ll be a public scandal – and who here will suffer from that more than I will?”
• Priestley presents Birling as selfish and self-absorbed, showing how social elites prioritise image over justice.
• Prioritises his own views over others’ perspectives.
• He repeatedly cuts off Eric and Sheila when they try to express opinions.
• Priestley uses this to show how the selfishness of the older generation suppresses meaningful change.

Mr Birling on Social Responsibility

• Mr Birling rejects the concept of social responsibility complete.
• E: He says, “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”
• Priestley presents this view as cold and dangerous, warning that ignoring social responsibility leads to harm.
• Mocking those who advocate for community and care.
• H calls them “cranks.”
• Priestley uses this to criticise the upper-class resistance to social progress.
• Birling refuses to change his view after Eva's death.
• He insists he did nothing wrong, saying, “Still, I can’t accept any responsibility.”
• Priestley uses this to show how some members of society are unwilling to reflect or grow, even when faced with tragedy.

Engagment Dinner Speech

• Birling sees the engagement as a business deal, not just a family celebration.
• He says, “It’s one of the happiest nights of my life... your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me.”
• Priestley shows how upper-class families valued status and profit over genuine relationships.
• Uses the speech to promote his personal ideology.
• Birling declares, “Community and all that nonsense.”
• Priestley uses this to show that people like Birling were so wrapped up in power and control, they couldn’t enjoy human connection.
• He uses the moment to present himself as wise and influential.
• He says, “You can ignore all this silly pessimistic talk.”
• Priestley uses this to show that the people in charge were arrogant and blind to real dangers.

Maintaining Control in Act One

• Birling constantly reminds others of his social position.
• He says, “I don’t propose to give you much rope.”
• Priestley shows how upper-class men like Birling try to use power to stay in control and avoid scrutiny.
• He interrupts and dominates conversations.
• He frequently cuts in with phrases like “Just a minute, Inspector.”
• Priestley presents Birling’s need for control as a weakness, showing how he fears losing his status.
• He becomes aggressive when he feels he’s losing control.
• He warns, “Look here, Inspector.”
• Priestley uses this to show how the upper class react with hostility when their dominance is challenged.

Birling as Unsymphatetic

• He shows no empathy for Eva Smith or the working class.
• He says, “If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.”
• Priestley uses this to show how people in power lacked compassion for those beneath them in society.
• He is arrogant and self-absorbed.
• He boasts, “There’s a fair chance that I might find my way into the next Honours List.”
• Priestley criticises people who chase recognition for selfish reasons rather than genuine merit.
• Refuses to take any blame for Eva’s death.
• “Still, I can’t accept any responsibility.”
• Priestley uses this lack of accountability to highlight how the upper class often avoided consequences.