In the play An Inspector Calls Priestley presents Mr Birling as a businessman who has enjoyed several successes over the years and has been active in local politics as Lord Mayor of Brumley, although it becomes apparent as the play progresses that Mr Birling has very little respect for the local community, preferring to adhere to capitalist philosophies. Mr Birling is used as a symbol of a typical capitalist, head of household, married to a woman of higher social class and director of a company calling himself a "hard-headed businessman". Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBirling sees himself as the pinnacle of power, attempting to impose on the Inspector the power he has acquired through his status, pompously declaring that he was "an alderman for years" and "Lord Mayor for two years". In addition, he tries to intimidate the inspector by telling him that the police chief is one of his "old friends". Furthermore, he considers it permissible for him to do whatever he sees fit, whether it is right or not. For example, when the inspector asks why he refused to agree to give the girls more money, he responds in a "surprised" manner, asking "Did you say why?" ', suggesting that Mr Birling generally exercises his authority ruthlessly and has become accustomed to being obeyed without question. Like most capitalists, Birling continues to try to climb the social ladder, thereby making himself richer and more influential, while the lower classes remain poor and powerless. This can be seen with the marriage of Sheila and Gerald, who comes from a family of higher social status. Birling continually tries to impress Gerald and his family by buying "exactly the same port" as his father. Furthermore, he is “sure that Sheila will make (Gerald) happy as he will make her happy”. Interestingly, Birling places Gerald's happiness before Sheila's, implying that he places Gerald above his daughter. Birling also points out that there is a good chance he will receive a knighthood – something he knows will impress Lady Croft, confirmed by Gerald, who says she will be "delighted". The marriage itself is an attempt to move up the social ladder, as connections to the Croft family would open up more opportunities for Birling, particularly in business expansion. Despite this, Birling believes in the philosophy of "every man for himself", which makes him "incapable of taking any responsibility", highlighting his selfish outlook and lack of concern for others. This introduces the theme of responsibility into the play, particularly social responsibility. Unlike Priestly, Mr Birling does not agree with the concept. Priestley tried to use the play to show the extent of corruption in capitalist society and tried to encourage the audience to support the poor rather than dismiss them as Mr Birling does. Mr. Birling has also been portrayed as an ignorant upper-class man and a representative of the older generation. which is disconnected from the younger generation. Birling jokes that he doesn't "know what some young boys are doing", referring to the behavior of young men in society, and this obliviousness seems to extend to his son, as he ignores the drinking problem of Eric, his stealing money and having affairs, including one resulting in an unwanted pregnancy. Birling's ignorance is highlighted when he speaks to Eric, saying that "a lot of you don't seem to understand today", the use of the general term "you" suggesting that Birling does not view these young men as individuals. He,.