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Arthur Birling (Confident (Head of family & boss of own business.,…
Arthur Birling
Confident
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Birling's authority is undermined: The Inspector reveals Mr Birling as an ambitious, anxious man who'll ignore the needs of others to keep up profits and a good reputation.
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Business-minded: " a hard-headed, practical man of business"
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Respected / in control
Public figure in Brumley - obsessed with his status. When his good name's threatened he's terrified and would "give thousands" (a bribe) to avoid scandal.
Not used to being challenged (usually in control). Shortly after Inspector arrives, Birling shows "a touch of impatience".
Birling's family falling apart - he can't do anything. He blames Inspector for making a "nasty mess" of the night's celebrations (afraid of truth).
Businessman
Hints his company could merge with Gerald's Father's. He sees Sheila's Marriage as a business deal, hoping to bring "lower costs and higher prices".
Birling thinks he's successful he's a "hard-headed, practical man of business". He has the same attitude to all areas of his life.
Optomistic about future - thinks that strikes won't be a problem for his company & dismisses any fear of war as just some "silly little war scares" or "the German's don't want war"
Priestley uses dramatic irony to make Birling's optimism seem foolish and short-sighted. This undermines his authority.
Anxious
Make himself seem important - drawing attention to his connections with influential people (plays golf with Chief Inspector) want's to seem threatening to Inspector.
Inspector threatens his middle-class values - reputation of company, important connections - he is worried. Spent entire life thinking these things matter.
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Authoritative language
Priestly writes: "provincial in his speech" (has a regional accent. Accent & social class - closely linked- clear that Birling was a middle-class businessman (not upper-class).
Has most continuous speech in play - likes to talk - relishes moments to talk - doesn't like being interrupted. Eric corrects him, Birling ignores saying "Just let me finish Eric".
Repeatedly shouts "rubbish!" to dismiss other peoples opinions - feels superior. Finishes his sentences with "of course" - make his own claim seem obvious.