Inspector Calls: Arthur Birling Flashcards
Arthur birling is pleased with himself
Very confident and is the head of his family and the boss of his own business
Likes to be in control and reminds people he is in charge
Over the course of the okay birlings authority is undermined . The inspector reveals birling as an ambitious anxious man who’ll ignore others need to keep profits and a reputation
Ambitious:”there’s a very good chance of a knighthood”
Business:”hard headed practical man of business”
Selfish:”a man has to make his own way”
Anxious:”there’ll be a public scandal”
Successful businessman
Hints his company could merge with a larger company owned by Gerard’s family- he sees his daughters marriage as a business deal
Thinks he is successful because he’s a “hard headed practical man of business”
Optimistic about the future and thinks that strikes won’t be a problem and dismiss any fear of war as some “silly little war scares”
Priestly uses dramatic irony to make birlings optimism seem foolish
Doesn’t accept responsibility for Eva’s death
He finds it difficult to think about others. Doesn’t believe in “community and all that nonsense” and sees people as “cheap labour”
Birling didn’t just refuse higher wages for his workers but he personally fired them
He is selfish and self centred and would rather pass off the inspectors visit as a ‘hoax’
He likes to be in control
He is obsessed with his status and would “give thousands” to avoid scandal and keep his reputation
He isn’t used to being challenged - the inspector has barely spoken before he shows “a touch of impatience”
The birlings family is falling apart and he blames the inspector for making a “nasty mess”
Priestly uses stage directions and language to show birlings character
Priestley writes that Birling should be “provincial in his speech” which means he has a regional accent. Accent and social class were closely linked so it would be clear birling was middle class rather than upper class
Birling has the most continuous speech and like to talk without being interrupted
He repeatedly shouts “rubbish!” To dismiss what others have said but finishes his sentences with “of course” to make his own claims seem obvious and matter of fact
