"Pitiful affair"

• Analysis 


  Birling’s use of "pitiful affair" highlights his lack of empathy and contempt for the workers. The term "pitiful" is ironic, as it originally meant full of pity but here shows Birling’s complete lack of feeling. This highlights his callousness and his role as a symbol of capitalism's exploitation.
• Alternative interpretation 


  Birling’s dismissal of the workers' strike as "pitiful" shows his moral superiority and disdain for their plight. Instead of recognizing their struggles, he belittles them. This contrasts with King Arthur, who would have shown pity and helped the disadvantaged, emphasizing Birling’s failure as a leader.
• Themes 


  Capitalist Exploitation : Evident in Birling’s attitude, highlighting the class divide and the hypocrisy of capitalist figures. The contrast with King Arthur underscores the moral failure of leadership under capitalism.
• Writers intention 


  Priestley uses Birling as a construct to critique capitalism, showing its lack of empathy. By contrasting him with King Arthur’s idealized leadership, Priestley emphasizes the need for a more caring, socialist society.