A grade 9 answer to a GCSE question about Mr Birling

Here is what some would consider a grade 9 answer to a real question in a past AQA GCSE English literature paper regarding Mr Birling, one of the key characters of ‘An Inspector Calls’. Here is the question: “How does Priestley use Mr Birling to explore attitudes towards women in ‘An Inspector Calls’. Write about: how Mr Birling is presented during the play. what some of these attitudes towards women are”   It is a 30 mark question and here is an example of what some would consider a grade 9 answer (remember there is always an element of subjectivity about this however). ‘ In ‘An Inspector Calls,’ Priestley uses Mr. Birling to explore attitudes towards women in various ways. Firstly, Mr. Birling is presented as a traditional, patriarchal figure who holds outdated views on gender roles. For instance, when discussing the engagement of his daughter Sheila to Gerald, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining social status and wealth rather than considering Sheila’s feelings or agency. He says, “A man has to make his own way—has to look after himself—and his family too, of course” (Act 1). Furthermore, Mr. Birling’s treatment of Eva Smith reflects his dismissive attitude towards women. He sees her solely as cheap labour, without considering her as a human being with rights and dignity. When confronted about her dismissal from his factory, he brushes it off, saying, “It’s a free country, I told them” (Act 1). This reveals his lack of empathy and accountability towards women in lower social positions. Moreover, Mr. Birling’s reaction to the Inspector’s revelations about Eva’s suicide exposes his selfish and callous nature. He shows more concern about protecting his reputation and avoiding scandal than reflecting on the impact of his actions on Eva’s life. He exclaims, “You’ve turned the whole story upside down. I protest against the way these things are done” (Act 3), demonstrating his refusal to take responsibility for his role in contributing to Eva’s tragic end. Overall, Priestley uses Mr. Birling to highlight the prevailing attitudes towards women in the early 20th century, characterized by paternalism, disregard for women’s rights, and a focus on social status over individual well-being. Through Mr. Birling’s characterisation and interactions with female characters like Eva Smith, Priestley invites the audience to reflect on these attitudes and their implications for society.’   So this is just one example of how this particular question could be tackled. Words that can help you with this question include terms such as:

• ‘Misogyny’ and ‘misogynistic’, the noun and adjective referring to the hatred of women. (Click here to read more about ‘Gender in ‘An Inspector Calls‘)
• ‘Patriarchal’, referring to a male dominated society. This word is actually used in the second sentence of this particular model answer.
• ‘Indifferent’, an adjective which can sometimes be either slightly negative or strongly negative. It can be used to someone not caring about something they should care about e.g. ‘Birling is in general indifferent to Eva’s plight or the plight of other working class women like her.’
• ‘Indifference’, the noun of indifferent.
• ‘Classist’, a form of prejudice or discriminatory attitude towards people based on class, usually of the richer classes to the poorer classes. Birling suffers from acute classism and this is one of the main themes on ‘An Inspector Calls’ (Click here to read more about ‘Classism in ‘An Inspector Calls‘)

To answer this question you need to have a good understanding of both Mr Birling and his family. You can click on this link to read a character analysis of Mr Birling.  

Mr Birling and classism.

Classist Attitude

Mr. Birling epitomizes the classist attitudes prevalent among the upper-middle-class during the early 20th century. As a wealthy businessman and employer, he views himself as superior to those of lower social standing. This superiority complex is evident in his interactions with the Inspector and his dismissive attitude towards social responsibility. One of Mr. Birling’s defining statements is his belief that “a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own.” This encapsulates his individualistic worldview, which prioritizes personal gain and profit over the well-being of society as a whole. His emphasis on capitalist ideals reinforces his classist beliefs, as he sees success and wealth as indicators of superiority.

Eva Smith: Disposable Labor

Mr. Birling’s attitude towards Eva Smith, a working-class woman whose life becomes entangled with the Birling family’s actions, is indicative of his disregard for those beneath his social station. When Eva, using the name Daisy Renton, is employed at Birling’s factory and later dismissed for participating in a strike for higher wages, Mr. Birling shows no remorse or empathy for her situation. Instead, he justifies her dismissal by claiming she was a ringleader and troublemaker, further illustrating his view of workers as expendable commodities rather than individuals deserving of fair treatment and respect. This callousness towards Eva’s plight underscores Mr. Birling’s lack of empathy and his entrenched classist beliefs that justify exploitation in the pursuit of profit.

Social Status and Image

Mr. Birling is also preoccupied with maintaining his social status and image within the community. He is eager to impress Gerald Croft, a member of the aristocracy, and is thrilled at the prospect of his daughter Sheila marrying into a higher social class. This desire for upward social mobility reflects Mr. Birling’s belief in the importance of social hierarchy and the validation he seeks from associating with the upper class. His fixation on appearances and reputation is evident in his reaction to the Inspector’s investigation. Rather than acknowledging the impact of his actions on Eva Smith and taking responsibility, Mr. Birling is more concerned with avoiding scandal and preserving his standing in society. This self-serving behavior underscores his prioritization of class status over ethical considerations.

Lack of Accountability

Throughout the play, Mr. Birling consistently evades accountability for his actions and their consequences. When confronted by the Inspector regarding Eva Smith’s suicide, he deflects blame and refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing. He dismisses the notion that his treatment of Eva could have contributed to her despair, stating, “I can’t accept any responsibility.” This refusal to accept responsibility is emblematic of Mr. Birling’s classist mindset, which absolves him of guilt by rationalizing exploitation and inequality as inevitable aspects of the social order. His denial of accountability serves to protect his privileged position and reinforces the cycle of oppression perpetuated by classist attitudes.

Mr Birling and women

Mr. Arthur Birling’s attitude towards women in “An Inspector Calls” is reflective of the patriarchal norms and gender roles prevalent during the early 20th century. His character embodies the traditional, conservative views regarding women’s roles and expectations within society.

Traditional Gender Roles

Mr. Birling’s attitude towards women is shaped by his adherence to traditional gender roles, where men are seen as the primary breadwinners and decision-makers, while women are expected to fulfill domestic duties and support their husbands and families. This mindset is evident in his interactions with his wife, Mrs. Birling, and his daughter, Sheila. Throughout the play, Mr. Birling exhibits a paternalistic attitude towards women, viewing them as subservient to men and lacking agency in matters of importance. This is highlighted in his dismissive treatment of Sheila’s concerns and opinions, especially regarding her engagement to Gerald Croft. Mr. Birling’s tendency to patronize and undermine women’s voices reflects his entrenched belief in male superiority.

Objectification and Control

Mr. Birling’s attitude towards women also manifests in his objectification and control of their lives. He views women primarily as objects to be possessed or controlled, rather than as autonomous individuals with their own aspirations and desires. This is evident in his reaction to Sheila’s engagement, where he sees it as a business transaction to secure a higher social status. Additionally, Mr. Birling’s treatment of Eva Smith, later known as Daisy Renton, exemplifies his objectification of women. He views Eva/Daisy as disposable and interchangeable, using his power and influence to exploit her without regard for her well-being or autonomy. His actions towards Eva/Daisy reflect a broader pattern of male entitlement and disregard for women’s agency.

Lack of Empathy

One of the most striking aspects of Mr. Birling’s attitude towards women is his lack of empathy and understanding of their experiences. He dismisses Sheila’s emotional distress over Eva/Daisy’s mistreatment, attributing it to “nerves” rather than acknowledging the real harm caused by his actions and those of his family. Mr. Birling’s inability to empathize with women’s struggles stems from his privilege and status as a wealthy, influential man. He is insulated from the hardships faced by working-class women like Eva/Daisy and is therefore unable to comprehend the impact of his behavior on their lives. His callousness towards women’s suffering underscores the gendered power dynamics that pervade the play.    

Conclusion

The content above should help you in your GCSE exam preparation. The model answer should serve as an example on how to answer the question and the content below should provide additional help on understanding the play in general. Mr Birling is a product of his time and environment and displays both the classist and patriarchal attitudes prevalent at that time and which Priestley is seeking to challenge and tackle.