THEMES!!

• Themes linked to the character of MR B:

  • LOVE & MARRIAGE
  • SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
  • YOUNG & OLD
  • PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
• LOVE & MARRIAGE:{MONEY & GAIN}


  1.. MR B is keen for marriage to take place between Gerald and Sheila as Gerald is the highest classed man in the play - using his daughter as a business transaction to increase his social standing and to benefit his business; "There will be a time when Birlings' co & Crofts Limited will be rivals no more."

  2.. MR B'S motives for marrying MRS B - yet again was for his selfish gains of status and power. this is evident as their marriage lacks affection - "You'll have to get used to that, just as I had." [MRSB -> SHEILA]
• YOUNG & OLD:


  -The older generation; Mr and Mrs B are shown to have a myopic view on society and are resistant to changes in society - show displeasure towards socialism.

  e.g. 4 MR B>

  "It's my duty to keep labour costs down."

  "A man has to mind his own business and look after himself"

  4 MRS B>

  "You seem to have made quite the impression on this child, inspector."

  • Younger gen challenges the older generation and are more accepting to change
• SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:


  • Priestley believes capitalism focuses too much on individual gain, linking to POWER & EQUALITY. [POWER = RESPONSIBILITY]
  • Social responsibility is the antithesis to MR B's views as he thinks she should only be responsible for his family and business rather than others welfare as well.
  • his belief> poor = greedy and that rich = happy.

  e.g.

  "They'll soon be asking for the earth".
• PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:


  • MR B feels that his actions were justified. Priestley highlights his lack of responsibility by having him deflect his 'blame' by pointing out the failures of others.