Mr. Birling is portrayed as a self-assured, prosperous businessman with a strong belief in capitalism and individual success. As the head of the Birling family, he is confident in his views, often speaking with authority on social and economic issues, though he frequently comes across as arrogant and out of touch. He is fixated on status and material wealth, proudly anticipating a knighthood and focusing on business alliances, like his daughter’s marriage to Gerald Croft. However, Mr. Birling’s character flaws become evident through his dismissive attitude toward social responsibility and his belief in the infallibility of his own opinions. Priestley uses him as a symbol of the selfish, complacent attitudes of the upper class, revealing how his values clash with the Inspector’s message of community and moral accountability.

Act 1

1. “Arthur Birling is a heavy-looking, rather portentous man.”

Adjective “heavy-looking”: The description of Mr. Birling as “heavy-looking” suggests physical weight but also implies a metaphorical weight, indicating his dominance and overbearing nature. This adjective hints at his strong, imposing presence within his family and society, reinforcing his role as a symbol of capitalism and authority.
Adjective “portentous”: “Portentous” carries connotations of self-importance and pompousness. This word implies that Mr. Birling sees himself as significant and perhaps wise, yet Priestley uses it ironically to foreshadow his flawed judgments and ignorance. The choice of language positions him as a character who assumes knowledge and wisdom, even though his statements later reveal his arrogance and lack of insight.

2. “Giving us the port, Edna?”

Imperative form: This command is directed at Edna, the maid, indicating Mr. Birling’s sense of entitlement and his dependence on social hierarchy. He does not say “please,” highlighting a lack of courtesy and a clear division between himself, as the wealthy employer, and the working-class servant.
Use of “the port”: The reference to “port” is significant as it symbolizes wealth, formality, and tradition. Mr. Birling’s focus on offering Gerald port demonstrates his attempt to show off his class and sophistication, signaling that he views wealth as a measure of worth. The moment shows his desire to impress Gerald and elevate his family’s status by showcasing luxuries typically associated with the upper class.

3. “You ought to like this port, Gerald. As a matter of fact, Finchley told me it’s the same port your father gets from him.”

Direct address (“you ought to like this port”): The direct address to Gerald in an informal tone creates an impression of forced familiarity. Mr. Birling is attempting to gain approval from Gerald by aligning himself with his family’s tastes, suggesting that he is eager to make an impression on Gerald and establish common ground.
Namedropping (“Finchley told me”): Mr. Birling’s use of “Finchley” and the reference to Gerald’s father implies that he values connections and associations with people of influence. This also hints at Birling’s insecurity and desire for validation from the Croft family, reflecting his ambition to climb the social ladder and be viewed as equal to the established upper class.
Symbolism of “the same port”: The emphasis on drinking the “same port” as Gerald’s father symbolises Mr. Birling’s aspirations to associate with the upper class. He views material possessions and similar tastes as a means of bridging the social gap between his family and the aristocratic Crofts, underscoring his obsession with wealth and social status.

4. “Now you have brought us together, and perhaps we may look forward to a time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together – for lower costs and higher prices.”

Capitalist language (“lower costs and higher prices”): This phrase encapsulates Mr. Birling’s capitalist ideology. He views the engagement of Sheila and Gerald as a business opportunity, not merely a personal union. The phrase demonstrates Birling’s utilitarian approach to relationships and his prioritisation of profit above personal connections, love, or ethics.
Juxtaposition of “competing” and “working together”: Mr. Birling frames the marriage as a merger, hoping it will benefit both families financially. This language suggests a pragmatic view of relationships where personal and familial bonds are secondary to business goals. His desire for “working together” shows his self-interest and intent to use the marriage to his advantage.
Dramatic irony: This speech is loaded with dramatic irony, as the audience is aware that Priestley wrote An Inspector Calls after the Great Depression and two World Wars. Mr. Birling’s fixation on “higher prices” and disregard for social welfare highlights the flaws of unchecked capitalism and foreshadows the consequences of selfish business practices.

5. “Sheila’s a lucky girl – and I think you’re a pretty fortunate young man too, Gerald.”

Possessive tone (“Sheila’s a lucky girl”): Mr. Birling’s statement reflects a possessive attitude toward his daughter, as he assumes he knows what is best for her and views her marriage as part of his own success. The word “lucky” implies that Sheila’s worth is defined by her ability to secure a marriage with an upper-class man, suggesting Birling’s traditional and patriarchal mindset.
Parallel structure (“lucky girl…fortunate young man”): The parallel structure in this line suggests Birling views both Sheila and Gerald’s relationship as beneficial, but his emphasis on luck and fortune reveals a materialistic perspective. His approval of Gerald as a “fortunate young man” hints at Birling’s belief that status and wealth are what make one “fortunate,” ignoring deeper qualities like compatibility or mutual respect.
Underlying irony: The line is also ironic, as the audience later learns that Gerald has been unfaithful, undermining Mr. Birling’s confidence in this “fortunate” match. This irony subtly critiques Mr. Birling’s materialistic values, suggesting that his judgments are superficial and blind to deeper moral issues.

6. “Are you listening, Sheila? This concerns you too. And after all I don’t often make speeches at you.”

Rhetorical question: By asking Sheila if she’s listening, Mr. Birling implies a sense of authority and importance in what he’s about to say, positioning himself as the figure who deserves attention. This tone is somewhat patronising, as he assumes Sheila’s lack of interest.
Self-deprecating humour (“I don’t often make speeches at you”): This could be interpreted as Mr. Birling attempting to downplay his lecturing nature, but it reveals his self-importance and his belief that his “speeches” hold significant value, even if he tries to present them casually. It shows his eagerness to assert his views onto his family.

7. “Fiddlesticks! The Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war.”

Exclamation and dismissive tone: Mr. Birling’s exclamation “Fiddlesticks!” trivialises the idea of war, conveying his naive optimism and ignorance of global political tensions. His confident assertion reveals his arrogance and reflects his complacent attitude toward serious issues.
Dramatic irony: Written in 1945 but set in 1912, the audience knows that World War I would begin just two years after this declaration. This dramatic irony makes Birling appear foolish and underlines Priestley’s critique of the arrogance and ignorance of the upper class.

8. “I’m talking as a hard-headed, practical man of business. And I say there isn’t a chance of war.”

Self-description (“hard-headed, practical man of business”): Mr. Birling’s self-description reflects his pride in being rational and focused on business. However, this phrase exposes his lack of empathy, as “hard-headed” implies that he values practicality over compassion or moral consideration.
Repetition of certainty (“there isn’t a chance of war”): His absolute certainty reinforces his arrogance and narrow-mindedness, showing that he only considers issues through his capitalist, profit-driven perspective. This hubris is undercut by the dramatic irony of history, making him seem blindly optimistic and foolish.

9. “The Titanic—she sails next week…Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.”

Repetition (“Unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable”): The repetition of “unsinkable” emphasises his misplaced confidence. It reflects his belief in human achievement and technology, mirroring his faith in capitalism and progress without limits.
Dramatic irony: The audience knows that the Titanic famously sank, making Birling’s words deeply ironic. His misplaced confidence foreshadows the inevitable collapse of his worldview and highlights the ignorance and arrogance of his character.

10. “A man has to mind his own business and look after himself.” (Stubborn, Capitalism)

Individualistic language: The phrase “mind his own business” reflects Birling’s capitalist and individualistic mindset, where personal success is prioritised over social responsibility. His words contrast sharply with the Inspector’s message of collective responsibility, emphasising his moral shortsightedness.
Irony: Mr. Birling’s philosophy is ironic, as the play ultimately shows the consequences of selfishness and the interconnectivity of society, undermining his beliefs.

12. “There’s a fair chance that I might find my way into the next Honours List…Just a knighthood, of course—but it’s a bit too early for that. So don’t say anything.”

Boastful tone: The phrase “Just a knighthood, of course” reveals Mr. Birling’s arrogance, as he downplays the honour while showing off. His desire to impress those around him by hinting at social status reveals his obsession with social recognition.
Irony: Mr. Birling’s aspirations for social status are ironic, as his lack of moral integrity makes him undeserving of such honours, further highlighting Priestley’s critique of the upper class.

13. “So as long as we behave ourselves, don’t get into the police court or start a scandal—eh?”

Irony and foreshadowing: Birling’s words are ironic and foreshadow the scandal that will soon unravel with the arrival of the Inspector. His belief that respectability alone defines honour reflects his superficial values, as he is more concerned with avoiding scandal than actual moral integrity.

14. “Clothes mean something quite different to a woman. Not just something to wear…a sort of sign or token of their self-respect.”

Stereotyping: Mr. Birling’s comment reinforces stereotypical gender views, as he assumes that women define their self-worth through appearance. His remark reveals his limited understanding of women and his patronising view of femininity.
Irony: This line is ironic as it unintentionally highlights his ignorance; he reduces women’s values to superficial traits, missing the deeper dimensions of self-worth and respect.

15 “I was an alderman for years – and Lord Mayor two years ago – and I’m still on the Bench – so I know the Brumley officers pretty well.”

Listing and authority: Birling lists his accomplishments to assert his authority, attempting to intimidate the Inspector. This tactic reveals his arrogance and belief that social status should command respect, highlighting his sense of entitlement.
Intimidation: By emphasising his connections, Mr. Birling tries to intimidate the Inspector, reflecting his belief in the power of social hierarchy to shield him from accountability.

16. “She was one of my employees and then I discharged her.”

Possessive language (“my employees”): The possessive phrase reflects Mr. Birling’s view of workers as property rather than individuals with rights. His casual tone about “discharging” her reveals his lack of empathy and complete disregard for the consequences of his actions on Eva’s life.
Power imbalance: This line highlights the power imbalance between employer and employee, emphasising Mr. Birling’s belief in his right to control others’ livelihoods.

17. “I’m not defending him. But you must understand that a lot of young men—”

Defensiveness and justification: Despite claiming he’s “not defending” Gerald, Mr. Birling’s attempt to excuse Gerald’s infidelity shows his acceptance of immoral behaviour among men. He normalises this conduct, implying that wealth and status permit such actions, reflecting his moral hypocrisy.

18. “It has nothing whatever to do with this wretched girl’s suicide. Eh, Inspector?”

This is spoken by in Act One after the Inspector begins questioning him about Eva Smith’s dismissal from his factory. Mr Birling attempts to deny any responsibility for her death and downplays his involvement. His words mark the beginning of a recurring theme in the play — the refusal to accept social responsibility.

Dehumanising Language — “this wretched girl”
The adjective “wretched” suggests disgust and contempt. Rather than acknowledging Eva’s humanity, Birling reduces her to an inconvenience.
This language reinforces his class prejudice and the power imbalance between employers and workers. Eva, a member of the working class, is stripped of individuality and dignity. It underscores his belief that people of lower social status are inferior and disposable.
Context: In Edwardian society, the working class — especially women — were often exploited and looked down upon by wealthy industrialists like Birling. Priestley criticises this dehumanisation, showing how callous attitudes perpetuate social inequality.
Rhetorical Question — “Eh, Inspector?”
The rhetorical tag “Eh, Inspector?” reveals Birling’s attempt to assert dominance and maintain control of the conversation. It reflects his arrogance and disbelief that someone of the Inspector’s lower social standing could challenge him.
This rhetorical strategy shows Birling’s overconfidence and his reliance on social hierarchy to maintain authority. However, the Inspector’s calm, direct responses undermine this illusion of power, revealing Birling’s insecurity.

19. “I can’t accept any responsibility. If we were all responsible for everything that happened…it would be very awkward.”

This quote appears in Act One, during Mr Birling’s interrogation about the dismissal of Eva Smith. The Inspector has just revealed that Eva has died by suicide, but rather than showing remorse, Birling immediately distances himself from any accountability. His statement reflects his capitalist mindset and selfish individualism — central ideas Priestley condemns throughout the play.

Declarative statement — “I can’t accept any responsibility.”
The modal verb “can’t” conveys absolute refusal and moral rigidity. It shows that Birling chooses not to recognise his role in Eva’s suffering, demonstrating both denial and self-interest.
Priestley uses Birling’s flat, emotionless tone to expose the moral bankruptcy of the upper class. His detachment contrasts starkly with the Inspector’s moral authority.
Hypothetical language — “If we were all responsible for everything that happened…”
Make social responsibility seem impractical.
The repetition of “all” and “everything” exaggerates his argument to make social responsibility sound impractical.
The phrasing exposes his narrow worldview, rooted in self-preservation. Rather than reflecting on the human consequences of his actions, he worries about the inconvenience of compassion.
Euphemism and understatement — “It would be very awkward.”
The adjective “awkward” trivialises the gravity of Eva’s death. By describing moral accountability as merely “awkward,” Birling downplays the seriousness of his behaviour and reveals his moral blindness.

20. “I don’t like that tone.”

This line is spoken in Act One, during his exchange with the Inspector. The Inspector’s calm but firm questioning begins to unsettle Birling, who is used to being respected and obeyed without challenge. When he says “I don’t like that tone,” Birling is not only reacting to what the Inspector says but to how he says it — as though someone of a lower social status dares to speak to him as an equal.

Imperious tone: Mr. Birling’s complaint about the Inspector’s tone reveals his sense of entitlement, as he expects others to defer to him. His reaction implies that he’s accustomed to being treated with deference, highlighting his arrogance.
The pronoun “I” places emphasis on his ego and self-importance, showing how self-centred he is.

21. “[to Eric] Look – you just keep out of this. You hadn’t even started in the works when this happened.”

Dismissive language: By dismissing Eric’s involvement, Birling undermines his son’s voice and agency. This reflects his need to control the narrative and his unwillingness to let others question his decisions, even within his family.

22. “We were paying the usual rates and if they didn’t like those rates, they could go and work somewhere else. It’s a free country, I told them.”

Capitalist language: Mr. Birling’s reference to “usual rates” and a “free country” highlights his capitalist ideals, where wages and freedom are simply matters of economic convenience, not social justice.
Irony: His mention of a “free country” is ironic, as the workers have little freedom due to economic constraints, revealing his lack of understanding of the struggles faced by the working class.

More on An Inspector Calls:

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GCSE English Literature- An Inspector Calls: Summary

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