inspector calls (copy)

Mr Birling Class and Politics

Through the character of Mr Birling, Priestley presents a potent critique of the self serving capitalist ethos prevalent in early 20th century Britain, exposing its inherent opposition to social responsibility and its detrimental impact on both the working class and familial relationships. Birling’s unwavering commitment to profit and social status blinds him to the interconnectedness of society and the emotional needs of his own family, rendering him as a symbol of the callous individualism Priestley vehemently opposes. Ultimately, Birling serves as a cautionary figure, embodying the outdated and morally bankrupt values that Priestley urges his audience to reject in favour of a more compassionate and socially conscious future.

Mr. Birling’s interactions with Edna, the family’s maid, starkly illustrate the entrenched social stratification of early 20th century Britain, a system where status and power were rigidly determined by wealth and birth. Birling’s instruction, "giving us the port, Edna. That’s right," directed dismissively towards his social equals while including Edna as a mere functionary, immediately establishes his ingrained sense of superiority. The imperative "giving us" highlights his expectation of immediate service, while the detached affirmation "That’s right," following Edna’s compliance, underscores her role as an obedient subordinate whose actions require his validation. Birling embodies the patriarchal head of a prosperous household, secure in his upper-middle-class status and the privileges it affords him, including the readily available service of those in lower social echelons. Edna, in her largely silent presence, symbolizes the invisible foundation upon which the Birlings’ comfortable existence is built, a constant reminder of the hierarchical structure that dictates their interactions. Her lack of individual voice within the play underscores the power imbalance inherent in this social stratification. Birling’s concern with avoiding "public scandal" further highlights his awareness of maintaining his position within this hierarchy; the noun "scandal" implies a threat to his social standing, revealing his investment in upholding the class distinctions that benefit him. He embodies the dominant class whose primary concern is the preservation of their elevated status.

In contrast, Edna embodies the working class, largely unseen and unheard, whose labor sustains the lifestyle of the Birlings. Her minimal dialogue and functional presence on stage highlight her lack of agency and the limited opportunities afforded to those in her social position. She symbolizes the vast majority of the population whose contributions were essential yet often unacknowledged by the ruling classes. The power dynamic between Birling and Edna exemplifies the inherent inequality of social stratification, where one class exerts authority and the other is expected to comply without question.

Alternatively, one could argue that Birling’s seemingly dismissive interactions with Edna are not necessarily malicious but rather a product of the deeply ingrained social norms of the time. His curtness might be interpreted as a reflection of the accepted distance between employer and domestic staff, a social code that dictated formal, rather than personal interactions. From this perspective, "giving us the port, Edna. That’s right," could be seen as a simple, efficient instruction within the established social framework, rather than a deliberate act of dehumanization. Birling, in this view, embodies the typical behaviour of a man of his class and era, acting within the confines of a social system he inherited and likely never questioned. The lack of direct address to Edna beyond the functional request might simply reflect the customary social distance maintained between different strata of society at the time.

Mrs Birling Younger Generation/Older Generation

Through the character of Mrs Birling, Priestley exposes the ingrained class prejudice and moral hypocrisy prevalent within the Edwardian upper class, revealing a women whose public persona of social responsibility masks a private adherence to rigid social hierarches and a callous disregard for the working class, particularly working class women like Eva Smith. Mrs Birling’s inability to acknowledge her role in Eva’s tragic fate, coupled with her dismissive treatment of those she deems socially inferior underscores the systematic inequalities and moral blindness that perpetuate social injustice. Ultimately, Mrs Birling serves as a potent symbol of the older generation’s resistance to change and their complicity in maintaining a social order built upon exploitation

The burgeoning conflict between Mrs. Birling and Sheila serves as a microcosm for the wider generational schism Priestley explores, revealing fundamentally different attitudes towards social responsibility and the established social order. Mrs. Birling, embodying the deeply ingrained conservatism of the older generation, struggles to comprehend Sheila’s burgeoning empathy. Her sharp, almost incredulous query, "What business is it of yours?" directed at Sheila’s compassionate questioning about Eva Smith, underscores her belief in maintaining strict social boundaries. The possessive pronoun "yours" not only dismisses Sheila’s concern as irrelevant but also subtly reinforces the patriarchal notion that a young woman should not concern herself with matters deemed outside her social sphere. Mrs. Birling symbolizes an older generation whose identity and social standing are inextricably linked to the rigid class hierarchy of Edwardian England, a hierarchy they see as natural and immutable. Her resistance to acknowledging any collective responsibility stems from a fear of disrupting this established order.

Alternatively, one might delve deeper into the psychological underpinnings of Mrs. Birling’s resistance. Her adherence to social conventions and her dismissal of Sheila’s concerns could be interpreted as a defence mechanism, a way to maintain her own sense of security and superiority within a rapidly changing social landscape. Her generation had benefited from the existing hierarchy, and acknowledging its flaws might threaten her own identity and privilege. In contrast, Sheila’s burgeoning empathy could be seen as a characteristic of youth, less burdened by the ingrained prejudices of the past and more open to ideals of social justice. However, this idealism might also be viewed as naïve by the older generation, lacking the “practicality” they associate with experience and the need to maintain social stability. The generational conflict, therefore, becomes a complex interplay of ingrained beliefs, social anxieties, and the idealism of youth encountering the perceived inflexibility of age.

Social responsibility THESIS

In An Inspector Calls, Priestley constructs a stark dichotomy between characters who embody self-serving individualism, like Mr. and Mrs. Birling, and those who represent a broader social conscience, such as the Inspector, to critique the systemic failures of Edwardian society to embrace corporate social responsibility and to expose the devastating consequences of prioritizing profit and privilege over human dignity and collective well-being, particularly concerning the plight of working-class women.

Class and politics THESIS

Through the contrasting relationships and behaviours of characters like the Birlings, Gerald Croft, and Edna, An Inspector Calls critiques the deeply entrenched class divisions and political maneuvering of Edwardian society, exposing how these forces perpetuate systemic inequalities, limit individual agency, and underscore the urgent need for social reform.