Answer: Mr. Birling is presented as a wealthy, self-centered, and arrogant businessman in "An Inspector Calls." At the beginning of the play, he is portrayed as confident and dismissive of social responsibility. He believes in the importance of individual success and dislikes anything that threatens his reputation or status. An example of this is when he says, "A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself" (Act 1).
As the play progresses, Mr. Birling's character develops in the middle. He becomes increasingly nervous and defensive as the Inspector's investigation reveals the consequences of his actions. He tries to protect himself and his family from any blame or scrutiny. This is evident when he says, "You'll hear some people say that war's inevitable. And to that, I say - fiddlesticks!" (Act 2).
At the end of the play, Mr. Birling remains unrepentant and focused on his reputation. He tries to downplay the impact of the Inspector's revelations and dismisses the idea that they have any lasting consequences. He says, "The whole story's just a lot of moonshine" (Act 3).
Mr. Birling is significant to the play as he represents the selfishness and lack of social responsibility that Priestley criticizes. His character embodies the capitalist mindset of prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others. Through Mr. Birling's journey, the play highlights the need for social change and the consequences of neglecting collective responsibility. His character serves as a cautionary example of the dangers of individualism and the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others.
Answer:
**Overall Presentation:**
Mr. Birling is portrayed as a self-assured, pompous, and prosperous businessman throughout "An Inspector Calls." His demeanor reflects a sense of arrogance and a belief in the importance of social status.
**Beginning:**
At the start, Mr. Birling is presented as overconfident and dismissive of social responsibility. A quote supporting this is when he declares, "The way some of these cranks talk and write now, you'd think everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive."
**Middle Development:**
In the middle of the play, Birling's character becomes more vulnerable and exposed. As the Inspector's questioning intensifies, Birling's facade begins to crack. A quote that illustrates this is when he nervously exclaims, "Look, Inspector - I'd give thousands - yes, thousands!"
**End:**
Towards the end, Mr. Birling becomes defensive and attempts to distance himself from the repercussions of his actions. A quote that captures this is when he says, "I've got to cover this up as soon as I can. This makes all the difference."
**Significance to the Play:**
Mr. Birling symbolizes the callousness of the upper class and their lack of empathy towards the struggles of the lower classes. His attitudes and actions contribute to the central theme of social responsibility, highlighting the need for societal change. His character serves as a critique of the prevailing attitudes in Edwardian society and serves as a cautionary example of the consequences of individual and collective indifference.
