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Edie
11/25/2022
English Literature
AN INSPECTOR CALLS CHARACTERS
An Inspector Calls: Character Analysis of Mr. Birling and Gerald Croft
This guide provides an in-depth analysis of two key characters from J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls":
• Mr. Birling: A wealthy capitalist businessman representing greed and ignorance
• Gerald Croft: An aristocratic character bridging the older and younger generations
The analysis explores their roles, personalities, and significance within the play's themes of social responsibility and class divide.
11/25/2022
1232
Mr. Birling's character analysis in "An Inspector Calls" reveals him as a quintessential capitalist of the early 20th century. As a wealthy, white, middle-class businessman, he represents the privileged elite of 1912 society.
Quote: "hard-headed man of business"
This description encapsulates Mr. Birling's approach to life and business. He is portrayed as:
• Arrogant and selfish, caring primarily about social status • Ignorant of the consequences of his actions • Unsupportive of his children, Eric and Sheila • Admiring of Gerald Croft due to his higher social status
Mr. Birling's character is further defined by his:
• Refusal to take responsibility for his actions • Ignorance of the shameful deeds committed by his family • Adherence to right-wing political beliefs focusing on individual gain and profit • Confidence in his (ultimately incorrect) predictions about the future
Example: Mr. Birling's claim that the Titanic was "unsinkable" serves as dramatic irony, highlighting his misplaced confidence.
His interactions with the Inspector reveal his stubbornness and unwillingness to learn from the experience. This portrayal effectively critiques the capitalist mindset of the time.
Highlight: Mr. Birling's character serves to showcase the flaws in capitalist ideology and the dangers of prioritizing profit over social responsibility.
Mr. Birling and Gerald Croft are two pivotal characters in J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls", each representing different aspects of early 20th century British society:
• Mr. Birling embodies the capitalist elite, showcasing greed, ignorance, and stubbornness of the middle class • Gerald Croft represents the aristocracy and serves as a bridge between the older and younger generations • Both characters highlight the play's themes of social responsibility, class divide, and the consequences of unchecked capitalism • Their reactions to the Inspector's revelations demonstrate the varying degrees of remorse and willingness to change across different social strata
Highlight: The character analysis of Mr. Birling and Gerald Croft provides crucial insights into the social commentary Priestley makes through "An Inspector Calls".
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Arthur Birling factfile and quotes
An inspector calls. Character factfile Mr Birling
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An Inspector Calls
Quotes, Characteristics, Structure, Symbolism & Prop, Stage Directions, Etc.
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An Inspector Calls: Character Analysis of Mr. Birling and Gerald Croft
This guide provides an in-depth analysis of two key characters from J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls":
• Mr. Birling: A wealthy capitalist businessman representing greed and ignorance
• Gerald Croft: An aristocratic character bridging the older and younger generations
The analysis explores their roles, personalities, and significance within the play's themes of social responsibility and class divide.
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Mr. Birling's character analysis in "An Inspector Calls" reveals him as a quintessential capitalist of the early 20th century. As a wealthy, white, middle-class businessman, he represents the privileged elite of 1912 society.
Quote: "hard-headed man of business"
This description encapsulates Mr. Birling's approach to life and business. He is portrayed as:
• Arrogant and selfish, caring primarily about social status • Ignorant of the consequences of his actions • Unsupportive of his children, Eric and Sheila • Admiring of Gerald Croft due to his higher social status
Mr. Birling's character is further defined by his:
• Refusal to take responsibility for his actions • Ignorance of the shameful deeds committed by his family • Adherence to right-wing political beliefs focusing on individual gain and profit • Confidence in his (ultimately incorrect) predictions about the future
Example: Mr. Birling's claim that the Titanic was "unsinkable" serves as dramatic irony, highlighting his misplaced confidence.
His interactions with the Inspector reveal his stubbornness and unwillingness to learn from the experience. This portrayal effectively critiques the capitalist mindset of the time.
Highlight: Mr. Birling's character serves to showcase the flaws in capitalist ideology and the dangers of prioritizing profit over social responsibility.
43
1299
0
English Literature - A Christmas Carol: Family
Regardless of your exam board, if you are studying ACC, here are some helpful notes on the theme of family including useful quotes
20
873
0
English Literature - Jekyll and Hyde
Jekyll and Hyde essay plans
22
1102
0
English Literature - Macbeth act 5 annotations
Contains annotations and summaries
518
7403
3
English Literature - Streetcar Named Desire Quote Bank
English Literature Eduqas Streetcar Named Desire Quote Bank organised thematically
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1222
0
English Literature - Arthur Birling factfile and quotes
An inspector calls. Character factfile Mr Birling
76
2647
2
English Literature - An Inspector Calls
Quotes, Characteristics, Structure, Symbolism & Prop, Stage Directions, Etc.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Mr. Birling and Gerald Croft are two pivotal characters in J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls", each representing different aspects of early 20th century British society:
• Mr. Birling embodies the capitalist elite, showcasing greed, ignorance, and stubbornness of the middle class • Gerald Croft represents the aristocracy and serves as a bridge between the older and younger generations • Both characters highlight the play's themes of social responsibility, class divide, and the consequences of unchecked capitalism • Their reactions to the Inspector's revelations demonstrate the varying degrees of remorse and willingness to change across different social strata
Highlight: The character analysis of Mr. Birling and Gerald Croft provides crucial insights into the social commentary Priestley makes through "An Inspector Calls".
English Literature - A Christmas Carol: Family
Regardless of your exam board, if you are studying ACC, here are some helpful notes on the theme of family including useful quotes
43
1299
0
English Literature - Jekyll and Hyde
Jekyll and Hyde essay plans
20
873
0
English Literature - Macbeth act 5 annotations
Contains annotations and summaries
22
1102
0
English Literature - Streetcar Named Desire Quote Bank
English Literature Eduqas Streetcar Named Desire Quote Bank organised thematically
518
7403
3
English Literature - Arthur Birling factfile and quotes
An inspector calls. Character factfile Mr Birling
22
1222
0
English Literature - An Inspector Calls
Quotes, Characteristics, Structure, Symbolism & Prop, Stage Directions, Etc.
76
2647
2
Average App Rating
Students use Knowunity
In Education App Charts in 17 Countries
Students uploaded study notes
iOS User
Stefan S, iOS User
SuSSan, iOS User
