Mr Birling Character Analysis

In order to answer this question, there must be a solid definition of 'responsibility'. Is it how bad a character made Eva feel? The effect on Eva in the long term? Or even how purposeful a character's actions were? For the purposes of this discussion, 'responsibility' will be the second definition, as Eva's story is not set out over the short term, but the long. The time frame between Eva and each character is different, but they all interconnect. The characters in question are Mrs. Birling, Mr. Birling, Eric, Gerald, Sheila, and Eva herself. The Inspector is not included in this list because he is not mentioned in the story anywhere as responsible. The idea that he was part of Eva's life can still be questioned, yet from the information we are given we cannot determine his responsibility.

Context is extremely important in determining which character is the most responsible for Eva's death. For example, the way women were treated. Maybe if women were more valued in society at that point, the characters may never have treated Eva as they did. When Eva was fired from her job, she was seen as extremely replaceable. To Mr. Birling, women were a seemingly infinite resource. Also, class discrimination was huge in that time period than when the book was written. This could mean that Mrs. Birling saw a …show more content…
Most people would care greatly and be horrified, but Mr. Birling is barely fazed. He doesn't care if some random girl committed suicide, until he learns that it was one of his, which is when he starts getting defensive about it. Sheila is frightened and exceedingly guilty, but the Inspector doesn't put much pressure on her to make her guilty. Gerald holds back his story, and runs away for a drink. The Inspector soon follows. Eric is the same as Sheila, feeling extremely guilty, even through his drunken stupor. Mrs. Birling acts as if she did no wrong, creating a wall which the Inspector will 'knock down' with his