Mr Birling Act 1

• the personification of capitalism


  Mr Birling is depicted as "a heavy-looking, rather portentous man in his middle fifties"

  This allows him to be a microcosmic representation of the older generation

  "heavy looking" this is Priestley showing the audience that Mr Birling is wealthy without explicitly saying it. The reason is that in 1912 having a plumper frame would reflect on your wealth.

  His heaviness could be deeply metaphorical as it is a physical assertion of solidity of his status whilst also standing to represent his undisciplined tendencies and showing lack of control.
• Critiquing Politics?

  "hard-headed practical man of business" This quotation links to Sir Stanley Baldwin, a prime minister between the two world wars who accused "hard-faced men" of profiting out of the war

  Mr Birling stands to represent these businessmen who carelessly took advantage of the suffering of the war for financial gain.

  "heavily comfortable" This is an oxymoron to present the pseudo-luxury of the social elite as a facade

  heavily connotes exhaustion, implying that Mr Birling is trying to relentlessly uphold his radiation of wealth .
• How is the character described in relation to aristocratic life?

  He is insecure and unacquainted with aristocratic life.
• What does "rather provincial in his speech" imply about the character?

  It means his voice is tainted by a regional accent.
• How does the character's accent affect his social status in 1912?

  His accent serves as a superficial barrier to establishing his status.
• What does the character's voice represent in relation to his social class?

  It represents a barrier between him and the aristocrats like Gerald.
• What does "Port" symbolize in the context of Mr. Birling's actions?

  It symbolizes wealth.
• How does Mr. Birling use port in his interaction with Gerald?

  He uses it to impress Gerald and prove his own wealth.
• What does the quote "Finchley told me it's exactly the same port your father gets from him" reveal about Mr. Birling?

  It shows he is trying to emulate the upper class.
• What does Priestley suggest about Mr. Birling's ability to blend into upper-class society?

  He suggests that Mr. Birling doesn't blend well and is acting.
• What social indiscretion does Mr. Birling commit during the meal?

  He wants to compliment the chef on the food.
• How does Mrs. Birling's response to Mr. Birling's compliment reflect their social status?

  It reveals that his attempts at high status do not come naturally and are a facade.
• What does the speaker imply about the fellow's attitude towards them?

  The fellow was prejudiced from the start.
• How does the speaker characterize the fellow's political views?

  The speaker suggests he is probably a socialist or a crank.
• What is the purpose of using complex sentences according to the speaker?

  To disguise his lack of logic and appear more informed.
• What does the adverb "obviously" indicate about the speaker's attitude?

  It shows his arrogance and ignorance.
• How does the speaker react to the threat to his respectability?

  He becomes defensive and aggressive.
• What does the speaker's defensiveness stem from?

  It stems from a place of insecurity.
• What are the implications of the speaker's use of complex sentences in his argument?

  • Disguises lack of logic
  • Aims to appear more informed
  • Reflects an attempt to manipulate perception
• What emotional state does the speaker exhibit when his respectability is threatened?

  • Defensive
  • Aggressive
  • Insecure