Mr Birling
normalises toxic masculinity
"we had a bit of fun"
"a lot of young men-"
by the way this could be performed onstage,it could leave the audience with an impression...
misogynistic behaviour?
"makes 'em look prettier"
objectification of women
patronising view of women
the fact this isn't shut down by any other of the family members. also shows the patriarchal society of 1912
dismissive of his children
as his children represent socialism, it shows his ignorance to socialist views
further represented by the constant tension between him and the Inspector who also represents socialism
dismisses him as a "crank"
"you've got a lot to learn"
condescending, acts like he's better than them
"just let me finish"
close-minded
opinionated, overconfident
"unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable"
dramatic irony
presented to the audience of 1946 as unreliable for the blunders in his blind arrogance
J.B. crticises the capitalism that was prevalent in the 1912 society
capitalist
makes Russian socialist audience strongly opinionated against him because of the conflict of ideas
"lower costs and higher prices"
the way he boasts in saying this proves he is ignorant and doesn't consider this impact on workers
"a man has to...look after himself"
constantly opposes and challenges the Inspector and his socialist views
"I ought to warn you"
Arthur tries to intimidate him
social climber
values only wealth and social status
talks about his "knighthood"
blinded by his capitalist desire
is quick to dismiss his connection to Eva at the end on the play, as it would affect his reputation
"I've got to cover this up"
"The press might easily take it up"
doesn't feel socially responsible
"eagerly"
possessive
speaks for his wife and daughter a lot, using "my"
"my daughter"
"is there any reason why my wife"
doesn't want Sheila involved, as if she was a child
doesn't do this for Gerald or Eric, as if Sheila and Sybil were more vulnerable
speaks for her as if she can't speak for herself
"you'd better ask Gerald for that ring"
alternatively could feel remorse, but wants to hide his guilt and suppress his emotions as he "pours himself a drink"
"hastily swallows"
is ready to move on and forget about it with a drink
or could show his disinterest and callousness
explains why he's so "eager" to believe that the death was a lie or at least not his fault
passes blame - "there's every excuse for what both your mother and I did"
is "the only active one" after the Inspector's impactful speech, showing that he wasn't affected and doesn't care
egotistical
"hard headed"
repetitive
shows his inflexibilty and stubbornness in his thoughts
"he's an old friend of mine...we play golf together"
abuses his power to get others to hide his secrets
his profits are made at the expense of his workers
"if you don't come down on these people they'll soon be asking for the earth"
uses hyperbole to exaggerate the demands to make them seem more unreasonable than they actually are
readily benefits from the demise of others
selfish
"you're not the kind of father a chap goes to when he's in trouble"
is concerned more about himself than his children
"I don't think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this"
is so greedy that he doesn't care about his daughter's engagement
avaricious
"you're just the kind of so-in-law I've always wanted"
could be interpreted as him wanting more business opportunities or him supporting the engagement
at that time parents climbed the social ladder through marriages
"Nothing to do with you, Sheila. Run along"
casually dismissing her and patronises her because she's female
"there isn't a chance of war"
how the rich is isolated from the real problems of the world
Priestly shows the troubles with ignorant, higher class fools like Arthur having power and running the country, as they have no idea about what goes on
refuses to accept any responsibility for his actions
they could also be fully aware of the dangers, but just think that their social status protects them from repercussions
dramatic irony
"a man has to mind his own business"
could explain his lack of sympathy for Eva as he values business and himself over everything else
"there'll be a public scandel"
Arthur still is only concerned about his public image despite his grandchild being dead and his daughter's engagement in ruins
puts profits over human welfare
the fact that his views haven't changed throughout the play represents the emotional disconnection the older people of a higher class had
creates lack of credibility
audience question his judgement
Arthur, who represents, people in power, shows that their judgements are wrong due to their blind overconfidence
even says it's Eva's fault that he sacked her because "she had a lot to say - far too much", as if asking for better pay is a justifiable reason to sack someone
detached