Mr Birling

“Hard-headed man of business”

He is a wealthy businessman who is arrogant

“I can say that there isn’t a chance of war”

Dramatic irony, two world wars broke out when people such as Mr Birling were put in the same situation as everybody else

“Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable”

Referring to the Titanic, dramatic irony, audience loses trust, ignorance of upper class, Titanic was a microcosm of the Class Hierarchy in the early 20th century

“clothes mean something quite different to a woman”

Misogynistic and patronising views on women that make the audience dislike him due to the suffragette movement

“make 'em look prettier.”

Mr Birling objectified women

“for lower costs and higher prices”

Greedy, sin of avarice, capitalist ideologies, does not consider the impact of higher prices

“my wife”

Possessive pronoun “my”, does not allow Sybil to speak for herself, sees her as his possession

“it's my duty to keep labour costs down”

Staunch capitalist views that conflict with Priestley and the wider audience

“I can’t accept any responsibility.”

Mr Birling is ignorant and does not accept that he committed any wrongdoings.

“I’ve got to cover this up as soon as I can.”

Mr Birling is obsessed with his reputation and puts that before anything else when dealing with the situation

“I care. I was almost certain for a Knighthood in the

next honours list.”

Mr Birling wants to climb the social hierarchy of the 20th Century in order to solidify his family’s position. Dramatic irony - the audience knows he does not deserve the award as he lacks moral integrity

“There’ll be a public scandal… and who here will suffer for that more than I will?”

Mr Birling showcases how he is narcissistic and selfish, he rejects his social responsibility, theme of reputation, archetype for the social elite

“(jovially) But the whole thing’s different now”

Mr Birling is shallow and switches moods quickly, he cannot empathise with the lower classes, highlights Priestley’s message