Arthur Birling

• What term does Mr Birling use to describe himself in the beginning of the play?


  "A hard - headed man of business"
• Why did Mr Birling fire Eva Smith?


  Asking for a raise
• "More money to spend and time to spare than I had when I was Eric's age"


  Different Generation

  Social Class

  Generational Divide
• Mr Birling is the head of the Birling household
• He has made himself wealthy by being a "Hard-headed" business man
• At the start he comes across as arrogant, making long speeches
• He is an active member of Brumley and thinks he's in the running for a knighthood
• He thinks a man should look after number one and not waste time looking after someone else
• He is materialistic and possessive and has old fashioned views about women
• Although he is shaken up by the Inspector he doesn't learn any lessons throughout the play
• " Is there any reason why my wife should answer questions from you, Inspector? "


  • "HIS" emphasises that Sybil is his wife
  • Shows his possessiveness
  • He doesn't allow Sybil to talk for herself
• " Clothes mean something quite different to a woman. Not just something to wear - and not only something to make 'em look prettier "


  • Sexist - clothes are more important to women than men
  • "MAKE EM LOOK PRETTIER" Objectifies women