In J.B. Priestley's renowned play "An Inspector Calls," Mr.

Arthur Birling, a wealthy and self-assured

businessman, is a central character who undergoes a transformation, albeit a limited one, over the
course of the play. Set in the early 20th century, the play explores the consequences of the upper
class's actions and their attitudes towards society. This essay will examine the changes, or lack
thereof, in Mr. Birling's character, his beliefs, and his perception of responsibility.

At the beginning of the play, Mr. Birling is presented as the epitome of the upper-class capitalist of
his era. He is confident in his social status, economic success, and the righteousness of his beliefs. Mr.
Birling dismisses the concept of social responsibility, advocating for individualism and the pursuit of
self-interest. He firmly believes that society has no obligation to care for those less fortunate, and he
openly expresses his disdain for the working class. His character reflects the prevailing attitudes of
the time, emphasizing the fact that he lacks a sense of sympathy and responsibility for the lower
classes.

As the mysterious Inspector Goole arrives to question the Birling family about their involvement in
the tragic death of Eva Smith, Mr. Birling initially remains resolute in his beliefs. He resists accepting
responsibility for his actions, insisting that he has done nothing wrong and that his behaviour was
entirely justified. However, as the investigation continues, Mr. Birling becomes increasingly worried
about the potential scandal and its impact on his reputation and business. This marks the beginning
of his transformation, as he starts to realize the potential consequences of his actions.

Towards the play's conclusion, Mr. Birling's initial beliefs reassert themselves. When Gerld returns
from his walk proposing his idea that the inspector may have been a fake, he begins to doubt the
legitimacy of Inspector Goole and questions the actual impact of their actions on Eva Smith's life. Mr.
Birling appears relieved when he learns that the Inspector may not have been a real police officer, as
it allows him to dismiss the consequences of their actions and with it the idea of social responsibility.
He attempts to shield his family and his social status from any potential damage and returns to his
previous convictions, effectively regressing to his earlier unrepentant stance.

In "An Inspector Calls," Mr. Arthur Birling is a character who experiences a limited transformation
over the course of the play. While he initially displays moments of doubt and concern about the
consequences of his actions, these moments are short-lived. Ultimately, he reverts to his original
beliefs and values by the play's end, showcasing the rigidity of his character and the societal attitudes
of the time. The play uses Mr. Birling to highlight the reluctance of some members of the upper class
to acknowledge their social responsibility and the far-reaching consequences of their actions. Mr.
Birling serves as a symbol of the immutability of class-based attitudes in early 20th-century British
society, emphasizing the importance of societal change and collective responsibility.

Quotes: titanic, “unsinkable absolutely unsinkable”- metaphor for his family lack of responsibility
“still, I can’t accept any responsibility” doesn’t trust the inspector “he had the laugh of us all right”
figures it out “by jingo, a fake!” business “lower costs, higher prices” “hard headed business man”
short sighted “the Germans don’t want a war” refuses to believe in anything that will damage his
pride and soul, his business.