How Does Priestly Present Mr. Birling in an Inspector Calls

J. B. Priestly presents Arthur Birling as a self obsessed, work oriented hard-headed business man in Act1. The stage directions describe him as a heavy-looking, rather portentous man giving an impression that he looks rather threatening. He is very traditional and speaks formally, even around his family. He has worked hard to raise himself up the social ladder and is proud to think that hes acquittance to be knighted.Even at his daughters engagement party, Birlings head is still wrapped around business and this is evidently sh avouch when he says Your get and I have been friendly rivals in business for some date now. and now youve brought us together, and perhaps we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing. He also states that the party is one of the happiest nights of my life but this could have a double meaning for not only when is Sheila getting married, but it can be seen as a business opportunity.These quotes show that Birling is very wo rk oriented and uses Sheilas marriage for his own selfish reasons. As well as being selfish, Birling is rather overconfident in his opinions. His mistaken view of the unsinkable Titanic is an example of prominent irony. This is ironic as the Titanic actually sank but only the audience is aware of this. Another example of the use of dramatic irony is when Birling says The Germans applyt want war. Nobody wants war..I say there isnt a chance of war This is also ironic as two historic period after this play was set, WWI began, followed by another. Priestly uses this device, in this sense to show how foolish and naive Birling is and therefore the audience will begin to interrogative mood his other views. As he is talking to Eric, he says Youve got a lot to learn yet suggesting that Birling thinks he knows more than others. We can tell that he likes the sound of his own voice, when he says Just let me finish, Eric.It implies that he doesnt want to hear anyone elses opinions but wants other to hear his. His egotistical character includes Birlings ignorance of social responsibility. Still, I cant accept any responsibility. If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody wed had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldnt it? This shows us how selfish and self centered Birling can be. . a man has to mind his own business This quote tells us that Birling opposes to fabianism and he shows this throughout the whole of Act I.