Mr Birling

• Mr Birling represents the capitalist class and embodies the values of greed and exploitation.
• His main priority is status and gaining more wealth despite the consequences on others.
• The play highlights how the upper classes can be blind to their own privilege and fail to see the impact they have on society.
• What kind of character is Mr Birling?


  Static
• What is a static character?

  A static character is a character who does not undergo significant change or growth throughout a story.
• What does 'Hard-headed' imply about Mr B?

  Stubborn + foolish
• What does "Lower costs, higher prices" symbolises about society

  Capitalism exploits the working classes. The end game is just for rich to become even richer at the expense of the lower class
• How does the titantic being unsinkable reflect ideas on Mr B character?

  The use of dramatic irony shows the audience that he cannot be viewed as a source of wisdom and guidance. It reflects that he stupid and foolish
• What does Mr B view of being "mixed together like bees in a hive" shows about his ideas on socialism?


  That community and collective responsibility should be dismissed as we all have to work for our own; he made it so why can't the working class?
• What does "bees in a hive" show?

  The simile refers that bees are working together showing that without capitalism there is no hierarchy for him to abuse as its a join effort in an enclosed space with no way to hide from responsibilities
• Eva having too much showed that Mr Birling's control was?

  Mr Birling control was crumbling and that he actually wasn't as powerful in controlling and manipulating the workers, especially Eva, as he thought he was.
• Why does Mr B care about a public scandal?

  Mr Birling cares a lot about his image as he puts social status over morals. The possible damage this could do to his reputation and money frightens him more than his actions towards Eva Smith