Mr and Mrs Birling

Mr and Mrs Birling

Mr and Mrs Birling, despite not being as aristocratic as their new son in law-to be, consider themselves as high class citizens of society. Mr Birling’s self-centred and ignorant personality is prominent when making a toast to his daughter’s new engagement, he describes himself and Gerald’s Father as “friendly rivals” and that “perhaps we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birling’s…are working together.” His tone shows us that he has doubts and is slightly insecure about his daughter’s marriage to Gerald in the fact that he wants Gerald’s approval of this statement. He is showing Liberalism by prioritizing his business over his daughter’s love.