an inspector calls - mr birling Flashcards
” a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own” refers socialists as “cranks” and “ as if we are all mixed up together like bees in a hive”- mr birling - act 1
prieslty uses mr birlings businessman persona to associate older generations with selfishness and right-wing conservatism. his toast and lecture to eric and Gerald are introduced at the start of the play to esablish the capitaslist ideologies of the family to the audience
suggests how the older generation focused on self preservation and privacy rather than community.
he uses derogatory language by mocking socialists calling them “cranks” and spewing “nonsense”
“bees in a hive” is a metaphor priestly uses as a way to potray a capitalsit man (mr birling) complaing about socialist ideology. further suggest how mr birling views how rigid the upper class and lower class divide really is
suggest how older generations did not respect socialism as avalid poltical system. presents them as cruel and narrow minded
“im not defening him . But you must understand that alot of young men” - mr birling - act 2
after learing of gerlads affair , it is evident that mr birling sides with gerald . he does not care that his daughter has been hurt as the engagment is the most imporant factor to consider.
it is evident that he doesnt think a women should object to a mans desires as he says “embed quote”
this perpetuates the idea that women should tolerate their husbands mistreatment of them rather than standing up for themselves .
mr birlings reference to “ a lot of young men “shows how society believed men had an uncontrolable sex drive , and so mens infidelity was accpeted part of culture
preislty shows how male dominance and male solidarity isolated and ignored women , and that society has taught women to always be subservient to men and their flaws
“i was an alderman for years - and Lord Mayor two years ago- and i’m still on the bench” - mr birling - act 1
mr birling is a symbol of upperclass privilege , showing how the uppper classes used their positions to evade conflict and responsibility.Upon meeting the inspector retells him(embed quote)
he details his career history to boast his power and respectability .The positions he lists are white collar jobs that were greatly respectedin society and associated with the upper classes.he expects his class will impress the inspector.
mr birling expects to be treated differently by the inspector because he is a”public man”, but the inspector informs him “public men… have responsibilities as weel as privileges”
This shows how mr birling is a member of the council and an attorney so that he can enjor the “privilege” of being favoured by the law enforcement .Because the inspector has to remind mr birling and other “public men “ have been neglecting their duties.
mr birling details Eva smith requesting “more money”
he states how it is “my duty to keep lobour costs down”
and he states “i refused” to eva smith
then mr birling details Eva smiths request for more money he shows his arrogance by suggesting reverantially that it is his duty to keep labour costs down before stating to the inspector he refused.
this is a short , sharp staccato scentence , dismissive of both the former requests of his employees
he is shownto be a man who will try to avoid taking responsibilty for his actions , responding to the inspector with finality “i can’t take responsibily”
‘so many of you dont seem to understand now”
In how Mr birling responds to his family , priestly execplifies Mrs birlings ignorance and pomposity through his ageism and sexism. Mr birling lacks an understanding of the younger genration , reflected when he states (embed quote)
he thereby seperates himself from the younger generation who do not have the capacity to understand what only he can .
his attitude to women is also conveyed , when he states that they will “join the ladies . That’ll stop me giving you good advice “
this point infers that only men could possibly understand his self declared “good advice”
when gerald presents the idea that the avoidance of a ‘public scandal” saying to sheila “ask gerald for that ring you gave back to him” perhaps to suggest he wants to resume his potential merger with Crofts Limited . As a “hard headed buisness man “ he also inists thst eric reimburse him for the company money he stole . he is the epitome of a self centred buisness owner.
