Mr Birling

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Mr Birling begins as a protagonist however as the play continues and he does not seem to change he then becomes a antagonist. Before and after the inspectors arrival it seems nothing of Mr Birling has changed, he still upholds his capitalist views and does not accept responsibility for his actions. He holds onto his pride which portray his hubris features. He is arrogant and selfish which lead to his downfall.

Question 2

Beginning

Answer 2

Before the inspector arrives Mr Birling is presented by taking control, he is a protagonist. He speaks a lot and commands his family. Illustrated by the imperative sentences such as ‘you ought like this port’. At one point his family all in fact agree with him however Eric does actually attempt to question him. When Mr Birling talks about how great everything will be he says ‘what about war?’ And quickly he is shut down, he insults his own son by saying he doesn’t know what he is on about. But as soon as the inspector arrives the attention is quickly taken of him. The inspector becomes the back-channel and he is than the topic management rather than Mr Biriling.

Question 3

Symbol

Answer 3

Mr Birling is a symbol of capitalist values, he seems to believe individualism as illustrated in his speech before the inspector arrives. 'A man has to make his own way- has too look after himself, - and his family too, of course'. Priestly conveys Arthur as selfish, the dash reflects how his family are his second thoughts, representing how capitalism means selfish nature. J.B. Priestly wants to show the audience what capitalism involves. 
The word 'cranks' he uses to refer to socialists reflects how he thinks there values are strange and ridiculous. He continues this thought through the metaphor 'you'd think everybody has to look after everybody else, as if were all mixed together like bees in a hive'. This is a direct insult to socialists, saying there is nothing special about them. 'Bees in a hive' give an awareness of the class high hierarchy and the fact he doesn't want that to change. He enjoys the wealth and his higher social status. 
The use of 'nonsense' and 'cranks' creates a tone of someone who is confident in his own values, conveying his power and authority as he is certain in his values. Reflected by the metaphor 'soon be asking for the earth', he wants to suppress the working class. Stereotypical for the higher class to do.

Question 4

Contrast

Answer 4

Mr Birling is used to contrast to the inspector, as when the inspector arrives his influence causes some of them to switch to the ideas of socialism and reject the views of Mr Birling. causing the shift of Mr Birling, he becomes a antagonist. As he looses power and authority.