Mr Birling - Character Profile Flashcards
How is Mr. Birling’s social status depicted in “An Inspector Calls”?
Mr. Birling is firmly situated within the 1912 English social elite, showcasing his dominance and influence within the setting of the play.
What role does Mr. Birling play in the household, and how does he exert control?
As the owner of Birling and Co., Mr. Birling maintains a patriarchal position, employing young women at low wages. His dominance extends to his marriage, where he controls his wife Sybil, relegating her to the sidelines during important discussions.
How does Mr. Birling’s indifference affect the family dynamic?
Mr. Birling’s disregard for his daughter Sheila’s concerns about Gerald’s affair reflects his prioritization of economic interests over familial relationships, highlighting his self-serving nature within the household.
How does Priestley portray Mr. Birling as a symbol of capitalism?
Priestley presents Mr. Birling as embodying capitalist ideology through his appearance, demeanor, and actions, reflecting greed, self-absorption, and profit-centric behavior.
How does Mr. Birling prioritize business over family?
Mr. Birling values business success over familial relationships, as evidenced by his focus on profit during his daughter’s engagement celebration and his willingness to sacrifice his daughter’s happiness for business connections.
How does Mr. Birling’s behavior towards the Inspector demonstrate his capitalist mindset?
Mr. Birling attempts to bribe the Inspector to avoid legal consequences, showcasing his individualistic pursuit of self-preservation and wealth, regardless of the consequences for others.
How does Mr. Birling’s speech reflect his insecurity about his social position?
Mr. Birling’s provincial speech, characterized by his noticeable accent and lack of sophistication, betrays his humble origins and reveals his insecurity about his social status.
How does Mr. Birling attempt to assert his social status?
Mr. Birling frequently mentions his past roles, such as being Lord Mayor, and hints at the possibility of receiving a knighthood to convince others of his high social standing.
How does Mrs. Birling’s attitude towards Mr. Birling’s speech reflect their social dynamic?
Mrs. Birling, who comes from a wealthier background, is embarrassed by Mr. Birling’s provincial speech and lack of refinement, highlighting her superiority in social etiquette and upbringing.
How does Priestley depict Mr. Birling’s wealth?
Priestley describes the Birling household as “substantial and heavily comfortable but not cosy or homelike,” indicating their significant wealth but lack of genuine warmth.
What social background does Mr. Birling come from?
Mr. Birling comes from a lower-class background.
How is Mr. Birling perceived by higher-class individuals?
Mr. Birling is viewed as a class imposter due to his nouveau riche status.
How does Mr. Birling exercise control over the lower class?
Mr. Birling maintains control by denying pay rises and enforcing poor working conditions, revealing his self-centered nature and desire to uphold an appearance of affluence.
How does Priestley utilize the character of Mr. Birling in “An Inspector Calls”?
Priestley uses Mr. Birling to critique capitalism and highlight the cycle of oppression caused by social divisions and classism.
How does Mr. Birling validate his superiority?
Mr. Birling validates his superiority by denying pay rises, maintaining poor working conditions, and exercising control over lower-class workers.
What drives Mr. Birling’s self-centered behavior?
Mr. Birling’s self-centered behavior is driven by his determination to uphold an appearance of affluence, even at the expense of his employees.
Why does Priestley focus on Mr. Birling’s insecurities?
Priestley focuses on Mr. Birling’s insecurities to establish a connection with the middle-class audience and exploit the genuine insecurities they faced.
How does Mr. Birling respond to the Inspector’s accusations regarding Eva Smith’s suicide?
Mr. Birling dismisses and trivializes the Inspector’s accusations, eager to reject any responsibility for Eva’s death.
What motivates Mr. Birling’s dismissive attitude towards the Inspector’s message?
Mr. Birling’s desire to maintain his public image and avoid social rejection motivates his dismissive attitude towards the Inspector’s message of social responsibility.