Mr Birling

• "a heavy looking, rather portentous man in his middle fifties" Act 1

  • microcosmic representation of the older generation
  • "heavy looking"- shows affluence and indulgence
  • heaviness is a metaphorical physical assertion of his indulgence and undisciplined nature
  • exposes superficiality of upper class
  • about Mr B
  • personification of capitalism
• "hard-headed practical man of business" Act 1

  • critiques politics
  • represents affluent business men who took advantage of the suffering in war as a similar phrase was used to describe the prime minister of the time
• "heavily comfortable"

  • oxymoron
  • critiques politics
  • represents the facade of the upper class' 'perfect' lives
• "rather provincial in his speech"

  • insecure and unacquainted with aristocratic life
  • his voice makes a barrier between the nouveau rich (Mr B) and old money (aristocrats)
  • his voice is tainted by a regional accent showing his true background
  • tries to uphold appearance of wealth trying to emulate their ways