Mr Birling Act 2

• Preoccupied with reputation

  He "dubiously" tells his wife "if this comes out at the inquest it isn't going to do us much good. The press might easily take it up"

  dubious connotations of shyness, uncertainty, juxtaposes his former confident and extrovert self

  This is rare moment of weakness, deep concern of how others will peruse this information instead of how his own actions have impacted others

  to maintain the facade of the upper class.
• preoccupied with reputation

  as other characters start feelings of remorse, Mr Birling exhibits a high external locus which means he perceives his behaviours as a result of eternal influences- no fault of his own.
• preoccupied with reputation

  Birlings anxiety at the mention of the press stems from a fear of his reputation being compromised

  moment of dramatic irony intended to evoke excitement within the audience as Mr Birling is finally paying the price of receiving no consequences over his dehumanising action.

  Priestley exploring that the only thing that can trigger an emotional response out of Mr Birling is when his facade of the upper class is at stake.
• Misogynistic to assert his power

  Mr Birling uses misogyny to establish his role as head "is there any reason why my wife should answer any questions from you, inspector?"

  possessive pronoun "my" is means of him establishing control to elevate himself- his property- wife belongs to him

  rhetorical question paints Mr Birling as patronising, power struggle with inspector as not affected when faced with classism, Mr Birling doesn't know how to react. Immediately turns to aggression and disrespect to win the social battle. Mr Birlings true nature is being exposed when he's being interrogated
• Misogynistic to assert his power.

  Birling critiques the inspector at every opportunity, almost searching for his flaws and mistakes

  complains "a young unmarried girl is being dragged into this"

  the adjective "unmarried" is used as a symbol of weakness which emulates male dominance suggesting women need marriage as a form of safety.

  He reinforces every social ideal from 1912 like how women are seen as transactions and to benefit the family socially and politically

  he will only enforce a view as long as it provides him with power.
• Sheila as a transaction

  artificial care for his daughter is ironic as we know he exploits sheila for social and financial gain through marriage. He views her only function as his daughter is to marry an affluent man.

  Lack of familial dynamic between Mr Birling and his daughter serves to exacerbate the divide between the older and younger generations.

  highlights notions of capitalism compromise having meaningful relationship as Mr Birling fails to show compassion to his family

  capitalism ultimately destroys family bonds
• Sheila as a transaction

  "what's the matter with that child"

  we can see the shift in language, transitioning from the possessiveness pronoun "my" to a demonstrative pronoun "that"

  Metaphorically expels himself from the ownership of Sheila once she begins demonstrating socialist ideology.

  Shows that Mr Birling will dismiss anyone who adopts socialist views even his daughter.