When we delve into the world of J.B. Priestley’s play “An Inspector Calls,” one character that stands out for both his complexities and contradictions is Arthur Birling. As the patriarch of the Birling family, Mr. Birling embodies the capitalist mindset prevalent in early 20th-century Britain. His views, actions, and eventual downfall serve as a critical commentary on societal values and moral responsibility.
Mr. Birling’s Character Traits
At first glance, Mr. Birling appears to be a self-assured businessman who prides himself on his achievements. He is portrayed as a prosperous manufacturer with a clear belief in individualism and capitalism. His authoritative demeanor suggests he is used to getting his own way; he often speaks in absolutes, reflecting his unwavering confidence in his opinions about social matters.
Throughout the play, it’s evident that Mr. Birling possesses a certain arrogance that is both captivating and repelling. For instance, during his speech at the beginning of the play, he insists that everyone should look out for themselves rather than rely on communal support: “A man has to make his own way—has to look after himself.” This statement encapsulates not only his philosophy but also highlights how disconnected he is from the struggles faced by others around him.
The Role of Capitalism
One cannot discuss Mr. Birling without acknowledging how deeply entrenched he is in capitalist ideology. His dialogue reveals an obsession with profit margins and business success, which overshadows any sense of empathy or social responsibility he might have had. For example, when discussing labor issues regarding wages for workers like Eva Smith, he exhibits a dismissive attitude towards her plight: “They’d soon be asking for more money.” To him, workers are expendable commodities rather than human beings deserving dignity and fair treatment.
This perspective reflects not only Mr. Birling’s character but also serves as Priestley’s critique of capitalism itself—a system that prioritizes profit over people. The play was written shortly after World War II when many were questioning such ideologies due to their catastrophic consequences during the war years.
Ignorance and Naivety
What makes Mr. Birling even more interesting as a character is not just his arrogance but also his ignorance regarding socio-political realities of society during that time period. He confidently predicts that there will never be a war again and expresses disdain for socialism—a viewpoint particularly shocking given what history would later reveal about global conflicts.
This naivety illustrates how blinded he is by privilege; having lived comfortably insulated from societal issues allows him to maintain these false beliefs about progress and security while completely ignoring the struggles faced by those less fortunate than himself.
The Family Dynamic
An equally compelling aspect of Mr. Birling’s character comes through in relation to his family dynamics—specifically with regard to his children Sheila and Eric, along with their fiancée Gerald Croft. He seems determined to mold them into reflections of himself—successful individuals who embody capitalistic principles without questioning them.
This paternal influence becomes problematic when Sheila challenges him; she begins recognizing her father’s failings toward Eva Smith’s tragic fate while simultaneously grappling with her own complicity in it all through her initial dismissal of Eva at work because she was ‘too pretty.’ This clash between father and daughter signifies an intergenerational conflict where younger characters begin advocating for social change while older ones cling desperately to outdated ideologies.
A Shift Towards Responsibility
As Inspector Goole arrives on the scene demanding accountability from each member of the family regarding their roles in Eva Smith’s demise, we witness Mr. Birling undergo various stages—from defensiveness through denial until ultimately attempting damage control by insisting they can escape any repercussions due solely to wealth status: “You’ll see! You’ll see!”
This desperate attempt demonstrates an inability or unwillingness to grasp moral accountability beyond economic consequence—it further emphasizes how deeply flawed Mr.Birling really is despite all outward appearances suggesting stability & success within capitalist frameworks!
The Downfall of Arthur Birling
By the end of “An Inspector Calls,” it becomes painfully clear just how disconnected Arthur Birling truly remains from reality even amid crisis moments surrounding tragedy stemming directly from failures tied closely back towards systemic issues fueled largely by men like himself within society structures prioritizing profits over people! Despite receiving wake-up calls throughout events unfolding before him—including being confronted repeatedly by those harmed directly due negligence—instead clinging onto old views instead claiming innocence alongside continued justifications surrounding their choices made past present day! Ultimately leading audiences pondering whether anyone else faces similar fates ensnared within cycles repeating history unless action taken toward reforming societies overall frameworks!
A Final Reflection
In conclusion, Arthur Birling stands out as both an embodiment yet critique against prevailing ideas which fail recognize importance interconnectedness shared among us regardless class backgrounds held versus need greater compassion shown towards each other enabling sustainable futures growth achieved together rather apart based solely materialistic gains seen detrimental path leading downwards if nothing changes moving forward!”
- Priestley J.B., An Inspector Calls (1945)
- Cohen E., Understanding J.B.Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls’, Routledge (2017)
- Koss S., Social Responsibility: A Study Through An Inspector Calls , Manchester University Press (2019)
- Taylor C., The Impact Of Class On Identity In ‘An Inspector Calls’, Palgrave Macmillan (2020)
- Bennett A., Modern Drama In English Literature: A Reader’s Guide , Cambridge University Press (2018)
