mr birling

• “I speak as a hard-headed business man.”


  This reveals Mr Birling’s capitalist ideology and sense of authority, representing the wealthy industrial class in Edwardian society, who prioritised profit over people. Priestley uses Birling to criticise the self-serving attitudes of capitalists, who believed their business success gave them superior insights into all matters. This belief reflects thee social attitudes of the early 20th century, where wealthy businessmen exerted great political and economic influence, often at the expense of the working class
• “The Titanic—unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”


  Birling’s misplaced confidence in the Titanic symbolises the overconfidence of the upper class before the First World War. Set in 1912, just before the Titanic’s real-life disaster, this quote exemplifies how out of touch Birling is with reality. The sinking of the Titanic, and the outbreak of war exposed the fragility of the world that capitalists like Birling assumed was stable. Priestley critiques the complacency of the wealthy, suggesting that their arrogance contributed to the catastrophic events that followed
• “The Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war.”


  Written in 1945, but set in 1912, this statement is ironic as the audience knows that World War I began just two years later, followed by World War II. Birling’s false confidence reflects the broader failure of the upper classes to anticipate or prevent the global conflicts that followed. Priestley uses this to criticise those in power who were blind to the realities of international tensions and who failed to prevent the suffering that war would cause
• A man has to make his own way—has to look after himself—and his family too, of course.”


  This encapsulates the capitalist, individualistic view that was dominant in Edwardian England. Birling’s focus on self-reliance and personal success reflects the beliefs of industrialists who saw collective responsibility as irrelevant. Priestley uses Birling to critique this mindset, showing how it leads to the neglect of the vulnerable in society. The emphasis on looking after oneself at the expense of others contrasts sharply with Priestley’s socialist ideals.
• “If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.”


  Birling’s view of the working class reflects the widespread fear among the wealthy of socialist movements/worker’s strikes that emerged in the early 20th century. This fear led to harsh treatment of workers, as capitalists believed that giving in to these demands would lead excessive demands. Priestley critiques this mindset, showing how such attitudes led to deep divisions between classes, as seen in the rise of trade unions and the push for workers’ rights
• “Community and all that nonsense.”


  Birling’s rejection of the idea of community represents the capitalist opposition to socialist ideas, which gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially after the Russian Revolution of 1917 and growing movements in the UK advocating for workers’ rights. By dismissing the importance of community, Birling embodies the selfishness of capitalists, which Priestley criticises. The play, written after World War II, reflects a growing desire for change in Britain, leading to the creation of the welfare state and a push for greater social responsibility.
• “There’s a fair chance that I might find my way into the next Honours List.”


  This highlights Mr Birling’s obsession with status and recognition, typical of wealthy industrialists in Edwardian England. His desire for a knighthood reflects how businessmen sough social climbing, aiming to gain titles and honours. Priestley uses Birling to critique this system, where people were rewarded not for their contributions to society, but for accumulating wealth. It reflects the class divisions of the time, where social status was more important than moral integrity.
• “There’ll be peace and prosperity and rapid progress everywhere.”


  Birling’s optimism about the future represents the misplaced confidence of many industrialists before World War I. At the time, there was a belief that technological advancements and imperial power would lead to endless progress, yet the wars and economic crises of the 20th century proved otherwise. Priestley critiques this blind faith in progress, showing that the social inequalities and failures of capitalism lead to immense suffering.
• “You’d think everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive—community and all that nonsense.”


  Birling’s disdain for collective responsibility reflects the capitalist opposition to socialism and the welfare state. The idea that people should ‘look after everybody else’ was seen as a threat to individual wealth and privilege. Priestley critiques this attitude, demonstrating how the refusal to acknowledge social responsibility leads to the suffering of the vulnerable.
• “Look, Inspector—I’d give thousands—yes, thousands—”


  Birling’s offer of money comes too late, highlighting the limitations of wealth in addressing social problems. This reflects the capitalist belief that financial solutions can fix moral/social failings, which Priestley critiques. The offer is meaningless because it does not address Birling’s exploitation of workers and refusal to take responsibility for his actions. In the post-war context of 1945, Priestley is urging for a change in attitudes, moving away from a society where wealth dictates power and justice.