Mr Birling 3 point plan

3 points for mr birling

1- mr birling as a symbol of capitalism and selfishness 2- his ignorance and overconfidence are exposed 3- his failure to change emphasises priestleys social message

point 1

mr birlng as a symbol of capitalism and selfishness

point for point 1 - mr birling as a symbol of capitalism and selfishness

priestley uses mr birling to embody capitalist views and self interest critiquing those who prioritise profit over people

quite for point 1 - mr birling as a symbol of capitalism and selfishness

a man has to make his own way look after himself and his family of course

explanation for point 1 - mr birling as a symbol of capitalism and selfishness

his dismissive tone and selfish philosophy contrast sharply with the inspectors socialist ideals

context for point 1 - mr birling as a symbol of capitalism and selfishness

the play being set in 1912 and written in 1945 highlights the failure of capitalist ideologies especially after two world wars

alternative interpretation for point 1 - birling as a symbol of capitalism and selfishness

birling represents the complacency of the upper class refusing to acknowledge the need for social change

point 2

his ignorance and overconfidence are exposed

point for point 2

priestley uses dramatic irony to make birling look foolish undermining his authority and highlighting his lack of foresight

quote for point 2

the titanic … unsinkable absolutely unsinkable

explanation

priestley criticizes those in power who falsely believe that status and power make them invincible

context for point 2 - his ignorance and overconfidence are exposed

the audience in 1945 knows the titanic sank making birling seem arrogant and out of touch

alternative interpretation for point 2 - his ignorance and overconfidence are exposed

some may argue that his arrogance is a defence mechanism reflecting his fear of losing control in a changing society

point 3

his failure to change emphasizes priestleys socialist message

point for point 3 - his failure to change emphasises priestleys socialist message

unlike sheila and eric birling refuses to learn reinforcing priestleys message that older generations resist change

quote for point 3- his failure to change emphasises priestleys socialist message

look inspector - id give thousands yes thousands

explanation for point 3 - his failure to change emphasises priestleys socialist message

he only offers money when his reputation is at stake showing he values wealth over genuine remorse

context for point 3 - his failure to change emphasises priestleys socialist message

priesltey criticises the hypocrisy of the upper class who believe money can solve moral failings

alternative interpretation for point 3 - his failure to change emphasises priestleys socialist message

while he birling may seem rigid his panic at the end shows he recognises his vulnerability even if he wont admit it