mr birling the greedy capitalist xx

• dominant position of household
• dominant in a static society
• patriarchal role as owner of Birling and Co which employs young women at low wages
• Mrs Birling accepts his dominance over her - a reflection of his control on the household as women have to sit in the 'drawing room' when men are talking
• has an indifference to sheila's concerns on gerald's affair; he is more concerned about his economic relationship between Croft's business and his
• his attitude towards Eva Smith reflects this as he sees her as inferior to him because she was working class
• living embodiment of capitalist ideology
• wears formal clothes
• is 'heavy looking' (greed)
• 'portentous' attitude (tries hard to impress others)
• 'pompous' - claims spotlight after sheila and gerald's engagement. toasts to 'lower costs and higher prices' instead of shiela's health
• values sheila on her 'capacity to further the family company' and objectifies her 'she'll make you happy': values the prospects of increased profit over his daughters joy
• his business is of greater importance than own family. This foreshadows his indifference to eva smith
• tried to bribe the inspector 'I'd give thousands, thousands' to prevent losing wealth and protect his social status
• tendancy to be provincial in speech (put on an accent)
• constantly reminds people of his social status 'theres a very good chance of a knighthood'. This shows lack of sophistication
• Priestly introduces birling's insecurity with his social position immediately in the play. meaning this becomes associated with his character
• the birling's wealth seems unnatural - Mr Birling made his money
• lack of reputation in family name
• their home is described as 'substantial and heavily comfortable but not cozy or homelike' - indicates their great wealth yet the feeling of home reinforces their cosmetic nature
• Birling compensates for his speech and unrefined etiquette through the substantial house as an indicator of status
• birling's character is condemmed by higher class men due to a lack of aristocratic background
• Social divisions existed in the higher classes and the audience can see now this affecrs Mr Birling who is seen as a class imposter
• Priestly uses the character of Mr Birling as not only a method to critique capitalism but to reveal the cycle of opression caused by class divisions and social divisions
• Birling attains validation in a sadistic manner through denying pay raises and maintaining poor working conditions - excercising complete control over these young women
• The suicide is partially blamed on Mr Birling by the inspector. Birling eagarly rejects all claims that his actions began the 'chain of events'
• birling has determination to reject the message of social responsibility - portrayed through his impatiently forced 'yes yes'
• Birling wants to keep his status he worked for 'a man has to make his own way - has to look after himself' ensuring that his social status and public image are not rejected by society
• Mr Birling represents the idea that the rich will always be able to get away with anything they do because they hold so much power and influence over others
• the older generation are opposed to societal changes which would lessen class divisions. This is largely due to the current capitalist society benefitting the Birling's
• Mr Birling's provincial speech bears connotations of conservatism and an unwillingness to change, which is reflected in his rejection of socialism as nonsense
• Gerald's theory of a fake inspector


  Eagerly and triumphantly accepted by Mr Birling
• Mr Birling felt instant catharsis (relief)


  When the prospects of a criminal record was no longer apparent
• Mr Birling did not care for Eva's suicide but only for his chances at a knighthood, avoiding the police court or avoiding a scandal
• For Mr Biruing to accept social responsibility


  He would have to sacrifice the proficing memods of exploiting lalovers
• It is in his near interest


  To oppose the Inspectier and attempt to discredit nis message of social responsibilitys
• Priestly creates a divide between Mr and Mrs Birling through the aforementioned stage direction "her husbands social superior"
• The theme of capitalism affects their relationship


  As he mamed her for her social status, not love. Their love was a transaction; Mr Birlings financial stability in exchange for Sybil's reputable Family
• The lack of love is shown through Mrs Birding's reaproachfully responding to Mr Birling
• Mr Birling's relationship with Eric


  Lacks familial connection. Eric opposes the way his father runs Birling + Co. He remains 'not quite at ease with his privileged lifestyle, but accepts it