Mr Birling Flashcards
(5 cards)
what does Mr Birling symbolise
Mr Birling represents the greedy industrialist businessmen of the early 20th Century:
- He is a wealthy capitalist: he prizes money and social status above all else, framing his attitude as that of “a hard-headed, practical man of business”.
- He is a self-important patriarch: he represents the power of men over women in 1912 English society, and treats Sheila’s engagement to Gerald as an opportunity to further his own business interests.
- He symbolises the older generation: his refusal to change his ways and learn social responsibility contrasts with the receptiveness of Sheila and Eric, who represent the younger generation’s potential to change for the better.
“I’m talking as a hard-headed practical man of business.”
Use of first-person: “I’m” shows Birling is self-centred and assertive. He places emphasis on his own opinions, assuming his authority should be accepted without question.
“Talking” suggests informality — he’s trying to sound reasonable and persuasive, yet he’s clearly delivering a lecture, not inviting debate.
“Hard-headed”:
A metaphor meaning realistic, unsentimental, and rational.
Suggests Birling dismisses emotion and morality in favour of business and profit.
Implies stubbornness and narrow-mindedness — a flaw Priestley wants us to criticize.
“Practical”:
Reinforces his pragmatism — he values what is useful or profitable, not what is right or kind.
Suggests he sees the world in black-and-white, ignoring complexity or compassion.
. Identity Claim: “man of business”
This phrase shows he defines himself primarily by his profession — not as a father, citizen, or moral individual.
Highlights the theme of capitalism vs socialism, as Birling is Priestley’s symbol of greedy, self-interested capitalism.
Shows gender roles too: he associates being a “man” with making money and being authoritative.
“The Titanic – she sails next week… unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”
Noun & Symbolism: “The Titanic”
The Titanic is a real historical reference — known for its tragic sinking in 1912.
Priestley uses it as a symbol of human arrogance and false certainty, especially from those in power like Birling.
Birling’s reference sets up his character as ignorant, overconfident, and out of touch with reality.
Dramatic Irony
This is a clear example of dramatic irony — when the audience knows something the character doesn’t.
Birling says it’s “absolutely unsinkable”, but the audience knows it sank. This makes him seem arrogant and unreliable, and positions the audience against him.
Priestley uses this to make us question everything else Birling says — if he’s wrong about this, what else is he wrong about?
Repetition & Intensifier: “unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable”
The repetition of “unsinkable” and the intensifier “absolutely” show how certain Birling is — but this certainty is misplaced.
Emphasises blind faith in progress and technology, typical of upper-class Edwardian men.
Priestley uses this exaggeration to mock capitalist arrogance and show how their confidence leads to disaster.
“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.”
Generalisation: “A man has to…”
The phrase begins with a sweeping generalisation, as if Birling is stating a universal truth.
The use of “a man” gives the statement a tone of authority and traditional masculinity, as if this is the natural way men should behave.
Selfishness & Individualism: “mind his own business”
This phrase implies avoidance of social responsibility, suggesting people should not interfere with others’ problems.
It shows Birling’s belief in individualism — that everyone should fend for themselves.
Possessive Language: “himself and his own”
The phrase “his own” likely refers to family and possibly wealth or business.
This shows Birling only cares about those close to him, and sees no duty to wider society.
The possessive pronouns (“himself”, “his”) reinforce his egoism and selfish worldview.
“as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive – community and all that nonsense.
used by Mr. Birling to dismiss the idea of community and social responsibility, contrasting his capitalist views with the Inspector’s socialist ideals. He equates a sense of collective responsibility with a primitive, demeaning form of social organization. This simile is a key example of Birling’s arrogance and his resistance to change and societal reform
