Throughout ‘An Inspector Calls’ written by J.B Priestley in 1945, the author presents two significant and upper class characters who are extremely guilty of abusing their power in society: Sheila Birling and Mr Birling. Priestley clearly highlights the fact that abuse of power is highly common within the upper class, due to the fact that they let their status and wealth control their lives. Consequently, the author portrays the Birling family as capitalists who only prioritise their wealth and their well being, in order to express his views on the idea of socialism for the future. Therefore, this essay will explore how Sheila Birling and Arthur Birling are guilty of abusing their power. Additionally, it will consider whether these characters
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However, as the play develops Birling begins to abuse his power over his wealth. This is due to the Inspectors interrogation, causing Birling to feel aggravated. As a result, Birling states (unhappily) “ Look, Inspector –I’d give thousands- yes thousands.” This demonstrates to the audience that Birling believes that money is the answer to everything and can solve all of our problems. The adverb “unhappily” highlights Birling’s uncaring and selfish attitude as he attempts to use his money to cover up the whole affair in order to protect his reputation. This illustrates the theme of morality for the reason that Priestly portrays capitalists such as Mr Birling to have no morals or conscience. Therefore, Priestly signifies to the audience that Mr Birling is guilty of abusing his power over his …show more content…
However realistically, Birling presents himself as an arrogant and selfish character. This gives the audience a further reason to assign a guilty judgement to him. To illustrate this, in order to threaten the Inspector, Birling states “ I was an alderman for years – and Lord Mayor two years ago- and I’m still on the bench – so I know the Brumley police officers pretty well.” This signifies to the audience that Birling is an egocentric man who uses his authority in society to threaten and intimidate others. This highlights the themes of responsibility and class for the reason that those in the upper class seem to take on more responsibilities in society than the working class. Due to this, Priestly is trying to express that everybody in society should be treated equally and take on the same amount of responsibilities as each other. Therefore, this displays that throughout the play, Mr Birling is extremely guilty of abusing his power over wealth, authority and people in order to protect his reputation in society. As a result, Priestly presents Birling as a self-centred and ignorant character who fails to change his attitude as the play develops. However Sheila Birling like Arthur, abuses her authority over people although she is able prove that she isn’t as ignorant and selfish as her
However, as the play develops Birling begins to abuse his power over his wealth. This is due to the Inspectors interrogation, causing Birling to feel aggravated. As a result, Birling states (unhappily) “ Look, Inspector –I’d give thousands- yes thousands.” This demonstrates to the audience that Birling believes that money is the answer to everything and can solve all of our problems. The adverb “unhappily” highlights Birling’s uncaring and selfish attitude as he attempts to use his money to cover up the whole affair in order to protect his reputation. This illustrates the theme of morality for the reason that Priestly portrays capitalists such as Mr Birling to have no morals or conscience. Therefore, Priestly signifies to the audience that Mr Birling is guilty of abusing his power over his …show more content…
However realistically, Birling presents himself as an arrogant and selfish character. This gives the audience a further reason to assign a guilty judgement to him. To illustrate this, in order to threaten the Inspector, Birling states “ I was an alderman for years – and Lord Mayor two years ago- and I’m still on the bench – so I know the Brumley police officers pretty well.” This signifies to the audience that Birling is an egocentric man who uses his authority in society to threaten and intimidate others. This highlights the themes of responsibility and class for the reason that those in the upper class seem to take on more responsibilities in society than the working class. Due to this, Priestly is trying to express that everybody in society should be treated equally and take on the same amount of responsibilities as each other. Therefore, this displays that throughout the play, Mr Birling is extremely guilty of abusing his power over wealth, authority and people in order to protect his reputation in society. As a result, Priestly presents Birling as a self-centred and ignorant character who fails to change his attitude as the play develops. However Sheila Birling like Arthur, abuses her authority over people although she is able prove that she isn’t as ignorant and selfish as her