Arthur Birling

• Why is it important to understand the character of Mr Birling in "An Inspector Calls"?

  It provides a greater understanding of the play as a whole.
• In which social class is Arthur Birling entrenched?

  He is entrenched within the 1912 ante-bellum English social elite.
• When is the play "An Inspector Calls" set?

  Just before the outbreak of World War One.
• How is Mr Birling's position in society portrayed in the play?

  • He holds a dominant position in a static society.
  • The poor remain poor while the rich stay rich.
  • His patriarchal role as owner of Birling and Co. is emphasized.
• What type of employees does Mr Birling's company primarily hire?

  Young women at extortionately low wages.
• How does Mrs Birling's behavior reflect Mr Birling's control over their household?

  She accepts her own domination and is often ordered to sit while men talk.
• What does Mr Birling's indifference to Sheila's concerns about Gerald's alleged affair signify?

  It shows his prioritization of economic relationships over family concerns.
• How does Priestley portray Mr Birling in relation to capitalism?

  He is depicted as the living embodiment of capitalist ideology.
• What does Mr Birling's physical appearance symbolize?

  It symbolizes greed, as he is described as "heavy looking".
• How does Mr Birling's reaction to Sheila and Gerald's engagement reflect his character?

  His pompous perspective is evident as he seeks to reclaim the spotlight for himself.
• How does Mr Birling objectify Sheila in relation to business?

  He values her as a means to further the family company.
• What does Mr Birling's indifference to Eva Smith's suicide foreshadow?

  It foreshadows his lack of empathy and concern for the working class.
• What does Mr Birling's attempt to bribe the Inspector reveal about his character?

  It epitomizes the individualistic nature of capitalism.
• What does Mr Birling's "provincial in speech" indicate about his background?

  It reveals his lower-class origins and insecurity about his social status.
• How does Mrs Birling view Mr Birling's social status?

  She sees herself as his social superior and is embarrassed by his behavior.
• What does Mr Birling's insecurity about his social position reveal about societal issues?

  It highlights the suffering caused by large differences in wealth and social divisions.
• Why does Mr Birling's wealth seem unnatural?

  Because he is not from a traditionally wealthy background and made his own money.
• How does Priestley describe the Birling household?

  As substantial and heavily comfortable but not cosy or homelike.
• How does Mr Birling compensate for his "provincial" speech?

  He compensates through his substantial house, indicating his high social status.
• What term describes Mr Birling's acquired wealth?

  Nouveau riche.
• How is Mr Birling viewed by higher-class men?

  He is looked down upon due to his lack of an aristocratic background.
• What critique does Priestley make through Mr Birling's character?

  He critiques capitalism and reveals the cycle of oppression caused by social divisions.
• How does Mr Birling exercise control over lower-class women?

  By denying pay rises and maintaining poor working conditions.
• What drives Mr Birling's self-centered nature?

  His determination to uphold an appearance of affluence.
• How does Priestley connect Mr Birling's insecurities to the audience?

  By exploiting the genuine insecurities faced by the middle-class contemporary audience.
• How does Mr Birling react to the Inspector's claims about Eva Smith's suicide?

  He trivializes and rejects all claims that his actions led to her death.
• What belief does Mr Birling hold about social mobility?

  He believes that hard work allows lower classes to succeed like he did.
• What motivates Mr Birling to dismiss Eva's suicide?

  His desire to maintain his public image and social acceptance.
• How does Mr Birling respond to the Inspector's message of social responsibility?

  He is determined to reject the message and dismisses it impatiently.
• How does the older generation in "An Inspector Calls" view societal changes?

  They are opposed to changes that would lessen class divisions.
• What does Mr Birling's "provincial" speech suggest about his political views?

  It suggests conservatism and an unwillingness to change.
• How does Mr Birling react to Gerald's theory about the Inspector?

  He eagerly and triumphantly accepts the theory despite its implications.
• What emotional response does Mr Birling experience regarding the Inspector's reality?

  He feels instant catharsis when the prospect of a criminal record disappears.
• What does Mr Birling prioritize over Eva Smith's suicide?

  His chances of attaining a knighthood and avoiding scandal.
• What would Mr Birling have to sacrifice to accept social responsibility?

  He would have to sacrifice his profiteering methods and exploitation of laborers.
• How does Priestley emphasize the divide between generations in the play?

  Through the use of the adverb "eagerly" in Mr Birling's denial and Sheila's agreement.
• How do Eric and Sheila differ from Mr and Mrs Birling?

  They acknowledge their moral failings, unlike the older generation.
• What does Mr Birling's attitude towards the Inspector suggest about his character?

  He intends to continue living as he did before the Inspector's arrival.
• What does the cyclical structure of the play imply about Mr Birling's character?

  It suggests he is a static character who cannot change.
• What political ideology do characters turn to in disgust of Mr Birling's portrayal?

  Socialism