"An inspector calls" What do you learn about Arthur Birling from the first 16 pages?

His status is also used when the inspector arrives and Mr. Birling tries to interrogate him. He uses his friendship with Chief Constable Colonel Roberts as a way to find out details about the inspector: “he’s an old friend of mine…we play golf together sometimes”. The inspector sees through the wall he is faced with and is nor afraid of Birling. He says, “I’m afraid not” showing he is pursuing his goal.

Throughout the play Birling has a habit of embarrassing or confronting his family, and Gerald, with difficult situations. The first is when he is rambling on about what he thinks is to happen in the future. His speech shows he is pompous and has no foresight. Also what he says is the exact opposite of what happens and for the reader is dramatic irony. As he gets to the end of his speech Mrs. Birling interrupts “Arthur!” She is embarrassed about him talking and wants him to stop showing her up. The second embarrassing moment is placed upon Eric. Eric is arguing in the favour of the girls working for Birling and Arthur sees it as an opportunity to put his son down. Birling returns by saying “it’s about time you learn to face a few responsibilities”. Eric is humiliated in front of the inspector. He doesn’t just embarrass his family, but confronts Gerald about how his mother feels about Sheila. He thinks that Gerald’s mother isn’t happy about him marrying Sheila because she is of a lower status and that he could do better for himself. Mr Birling sees Gerald is feeling awkward and so tries to apologize “No, Gerald that’s all right. Don’t blame her!”

In society Mr Birling is a capitalist, his beliefs are shown when he talks about his business and his workers and the way he treats them. “Well it’s my duty to keep labour costs down!” He believes that people are what they make themselves to be. He has worked his way up to a high class and sees that other people should do that too.

Overall Arthur Birling is a selfish and pompous capitalist. He has no cares for anyone but himself and his family name. His main aim is to have a good business and to live the life of luxury, he has established over the years, with his family.