An Inspector Calls.
Arthur Birling
Mr. Arthur Birling is one of the central characters in J.B. Priestley’s play “An Inspector
Calls.” He is depicted as a wealthy, self-made businessman, proud of his achievements
and status in society. Here’s an analysis of his character:
1.Capitalist mindset: Birling embodies the capitalist ideology of his time, prioritizing profit
and success over social responsibility. He is dismissive of socialist ideals and believes
firmly in individualism and the pursuit of wealth.
2.Arrogance and hubris: Birling is portrayed as arrogant and overly confident in his own
judgments. He dismisses the possibility of any wrongdoing on his part and sees himself
as above criticism.
3.Lack of empathy: Throughout the play, Birling demonstrates a lack of empathy
towards others, particularly the working class. He is indifferent to their struggles and
dismisses the idea of social responsibility towards them.
4.Shortsightedness: Birling’s worldview is limited and shortsighted. He fails to recognize
the consequences of his actions and is blind to the interconnectedness of society. His
focus on immediate gains blinds him to the larger moral implications of his decisions.
5.Symbol of the upper class: Birling represents the upper class of Edwardian society,
with all its flaws and contradictions. His character serves as a critique of the privileged
elite and their disregard for the less fortunate.
Overall, Mr. Birling is depicted as a flawed and morally bankrupt character, whose
attitudes and actions contribute to the injustices of society. His portrayal serves as a
commentary on the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the importance of social
responsibility.
, Exams question:
An Inspector Calls – Practice Exam Questions Answer one question from this section.
JB Priestley: An Inspector Calls EITHER
01 How does Priestley present Mr Birling in An Inspector Calls?
Write about:
• how Mr Birling speaks and behaves, as well as the things he says.
• how Priestley presents Mr Birling by the ways he writes.
[30 marks] AO4
[4 marks]
OR
02 How does Priestley present different ideas about blame and taking
responsibility in An Inspector Calls?
Write about:
• the different ideas about blame and taking responsibility in An Inspector Calls.
• how Priestley presents these ideas by the ways he writes.
[30 marks] AO4
[4 marks]
Arthur Birling
Mr. Arthur Birling is one of the central characters in J.B. Priestley’s play “An Inspector
Calls.” He is depicted as a wealthy, self-made businessman, proud of his achievements
and status in society. Here’s an analysis of his character:
1.Capitalist mindset: Birling embodies the capitalist ideology of his time, prioritizing profit
and success over social responsibility. He is dismissive of socialist ideals and believes
firmly in individualism and the pursuit of wealth.
2.Arrogance and hubris: Birling is portrayed as arrogant and overly confident in his own
judgments. He dismisses the possibility of any wrongdoing on his part and sees himself
as above criticism.
3.Lack of empathy: Throughout the play, Birling demonstrates a lack of empathy
towards others, particularly the working class. He is indifferent to their struggles and
dismisses the idea of social responsibility towards them.
4.Shortsightedness: Birling’s worldview is limited and shortsighted. He fails to recognize
the consequences of his actions and is blind to the interconnectedness of society. His
focus on immediate gains blinds him to the larger moral implications of his decisions.
5.Symbol of the upper class: Birling represents the upper class of Edwardian society,
with all its flaws and contradictions. His character serves as a critique of the privileged
elite and their disregard for the less fortunate.
Overall, Mr. Birling is depicted as a flawed and morally bankrupt character, whose
attitudes and actions contribute to the injustices of society. His portrayal serves as a
commentary on the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the importance of social
responsibility.
, Exams question:
An Inspector Calls – Practice Exam Questions Answer one question from this section.
JB Priestley: An Inspector Calls EITHER
01 How does Priestley present Mr Birling in An Inspector Calls?
Write about:
• how Mr Birling speaks and behaves, as well as the things he says.
• how Priestley presents Mr Birling by the ways he writes.
[30 marks] AO4
[4 marks]
OR
02 How does Priestley present different ideas about blame and taking
responsibility in An Inspector Calls?
Write about:
• the different ideas about blame and taking responsibility in An Inspector Calls.
• how Priestley presents these ideas by the ways he writes.
[30 marks] AO4
[4 marks]
