Responsibility

• mr birling - " well i only did what any employer would have done "
• mr birling - " well i only did what any employer would have done "

  • all capitalist business men are the same
  • exploit others for their own profit
  • selfish
  • distance himself from blame
  • protecting him reputation and status
• eric - " i was in that state in which a chap easily turns nasty "
• eric - " i was in that state in which a chap easily turns nasty "

  • could've happened to anyone
  • implied manipulation / rape
  • everyone understands his reference
  • normalised his actions in society
  • distance blame as it is like second nature
• eric - " you may be letting yourselves out nicely but i can't "
• eric - " you may be letting yourselves out nicely but i can't "

  • change in attitudes from the start
  • direct address to his family
  • challenging their ignorance
  • they are only protecting themselves
  • taking responsibility - represents the progressive attitudes of the younger generation in society
• gerald - " i don't come into this suicide business "
• gerald - " i don't come into this suicide business "

  • same as all other upper class members
  • ignorant
  • symbol of capitalism
  • protecting himself
  • transactional relationship with Eva
  • never truly cared for her