Mr Birling is one of the main characters in J.B. Priestley's play 'An Inspector Calls'. He is a wealthy businessman who owns a factory and is the head of a family that consists of his wife, Sybil Birling, and their two children, Sheila and Eric. Throughout the play, it becomes clear that Mr Birling only cares about himself and his family, and is willing to go to any lengths to protect their interests, even if it means sacrificing the wellbeing of others.

Act 1: Mr Birling's Selfishness

In Act 1, Mr Birling is introduced as a pompous and self-important man who is more concerned with his own social status than anything else. He is hosting a dinner party to celebrate his daughter's engagement to Gerald Croft, the son of a rival businessman, and is keen to impress his guests with his wealth and success. When he gives a speech about the future, he reveals his capitalist views and his belief that there will never be a war, which is ironic given that the play is set in 1912, just before the outbreak of World War I.

Mr Birling's selfishness is also evident in his treatment of his employees. He pays them low wages and refuses to listen to their grievances, even when they threaten to strike. He sees them as nothing more than a means to an end, and is not concerned with their welfare or wellbeing.

Act 2: Mr Birling's Hypocrisy

In Act 2, Mr Birling's hypocrisy is revealed when he refuses to take responsibility for his actions. When the inspector arrives to question him about the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith, who worked in his factory, Mr Birling denies any wrongdoing and shifts the blame onto others. He claims that he had no knowledge of Eva Smith's plight and that he was simply acting in the best interests of his business.

However, it soon becomes clear that Mr Birling is lying and that he had a direct hand in Eva Smith's death. He had fired her from his factory for demanding better pay and working conditions, which had left her destitute and desperate. When she had turned to him for help, he had turned her away and left her to her fate.

Act 3: Mr Birling's Lack of Remorse

In Act 3, Mr Birling's lack of remorse is highlighted when he learns that the inspector was not real and that the events of the evening were part of an elaborate hoax. He is relieved to discover that he will not be held accountable for his actions and is eager to put the whole incident behind him.

However, his wife and children are not so quick to forget. They are appalled by his callousness and his lack of concern for the people he has hurt. They realize that he is a selfish and heartless man who is only interested in protecting himself and his family, even if it means sacrificing the lives of others.

Conclusion

Mr Birling's character is a stark reminder of the dangers of greed and selfishness. He is a man who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his own interests, even if it means hurting others or turning a blind eye to their suffering. His lack of empathy and his callousness are a damning indictment of the capitalist system that he represents, and a warning to all of us to be mindful of the consequences of our actions.

Related video of Mr Birling Only Cares About Himself and His Family