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Arthur Birling
® Mr Birling is symbolic of the selfish, capitalist higher class, as
demonstrated through his relief upon Gerald’s theory the Inspector
wasn’t real and that ‘the whole thing’s different now’ – at this point
Eva’s torment no longer matters to Mr Birling as he isn’t at risk of legal
prosecution or socially accountability either. This shows Mr Birling to be
a static character, who shows no remorse or accepting of
responsibility
® Priestly makes sure Mr Birling remains a static character as Mr Birling is
the vehicle for capitalism, therefore presented by Priestly as the
source of opposition to a positive change in society(i.e. socialism).
Priestly therefore makes Mr Birling as dislikeable as possible so through
the audiences hatred of Mr Birling he’s able to gain support and
persuade the younger generation to support socialism as the
audience dismiss Mr Birling’s view of socialism – note Priestly talks to
the younger generation as he knows the contemporary middle class
audience would likely relate to Mr Birling and the various insecurities
and so he talks directly to the younger generation as they have both
wealth and influence to drive change, as shown through Sheila and
to some extent Eric.
® Mr Birling is firmly entrenched (a strong attitude unlikely to change)
within 1912 ante-bellum (before the war) social elite.
® Priestly uses dramatic irony to portray Mr Birling as foolish and
unlikeable. Mr Birlings confidence in ‘the Germans don’t want war’ is
received by the contemporary audience (in 1945) as ignorant as the
audience will have known many people whom have died during
both WW1 & WW2. Mr Birling also uses the term ‘fiddlesticks’ which
furthers the audiences loathing.
® The audience is also provided with a sense of relief when the
Inspector arrives, interrupting Mr Birling’s repetitive ranting and
domination of speech in the play. This allows Priestly to stablish an
atmosphere of relief with the Inspector.
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