Mr Birling: Stage directions

‘head’

a clear conflict between his position at the ‘head of table’ and his social inferiority to both his wife and the Crofts suggesting that he is uneasy in his position. This hints at the instability of capitalism due to Mr B’s position as a member of the new bourgeoisie, exposing the frailty of his social status, which has been acquired through monetary pursuits.

‘heavy looking’

uses his physical appearance to intimidate others which stands in contrast to the Inspector’s effortless authoritative air

‘provincial in his speech’

hints at Mr B’s humble origins

‘clearly relaxes’ when Edna leaves

Mr B’s precarious sense of social status as feels uneasy in his position as a member of the new bourgeoisie and suggests that he may be trapped in the capitalist echo-chamber, implying that capitalism is an internally destructive force