Mr Birling

Question 1

Foolish/uncredible… and why?

Answer 1

‘absolutely unsinkable’
‘talk about war’
‘naturally it took me by surprise’
His confidence about things he is completely wrong about causes the audience to doubt all of his beliefs including capitalism and dislike him
Almost like a capitalist caricature - jab at opposing beliefs from Priestley

Question 2

Emasculated

Answer 2

‘(massively taking over)’
‘Don’t stammer and yammer’
‘Public men have responsibilities’
Shows a significant change in power - foreshadows the rise of socialism and decline in social class systems - makes Priestley/the Inspector’s idea seem more important

Question 3

Apathetic capitalist

Answer 3

‘won’t do us much good’
‘every excuse’
‘community and all that nonsense’
His apathy disconnects him from the audience and from the other characters - he tries to distance himself from the other characters to make him seem superior/only cares about himself

Question 4

Central argument

Answer 4

Priestley shows the negative aspects of capitalism through Mr Birling

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

Priestly does this to influence the audience to distance themselves from capitalism and the class system in order to work towards a change in society (his ideals)