Greed

• > "duty" implies it his moral obligation but for the interest for his interest

  > "labour cost" refers to employees and shows the disregard Birling has for them

  " my duty to keep labour cost down " Act 1

• > Wants to maximize his profit -> greed

  > Wants to keep on exploiting those in his workplace + keeping them in their submissive position.

  > Shows his selfishness.

  > Wants to use Gerald' status to increase his business.

  > Sheila' and Gerald's engagement is seen as a benefit to his business.

  > THEME = MONEY/ CAPITALISM / GREED.

  ''For lower costs and higher prices.''
Act: 1
• > Physical appearance is a reflection of capitalism.

  > ''HEAVY LOOKING'' = Greed/gluttony/avarice for money.

  > ''RATHER PORTENTOUS'' = He tries hard to impress others.

  > THEME = CAPITALISM.

  The stage directions describe Mr Birling as ''heavy-looking'' + ''rather portentous''