Priestley presents the character of Mr. Birling as a symbol of the capitalist society of 1912 and how desperately socialist ideals were needed during this period. Priestley begins by presenting Mr Birling as a successful, albeit 'hard-headed businessman'. It is clear from the stage directions that depict “The dining room of a fairly large suburban house, belonging to a prosperous manufacturer” that Birling is wealthy and a victorious materialist. He is a model for a capitalist society because he achieved his financial and capitalist goals. Once Birling's worldly triumph is settled, Priestley sabotages his character by presenting Mr. Birling as oblivious. As the play is set before the Second World War, dramatic irony is used when Birling states: "There is no chance of war". Here the audience is aware that they are wrong and therefore perceives that Birling's certainty is foolish: he is a man without intelligence. This is also confirmed when he states that the Titanic which will soon sail is “absolutely unsinkable”. The public may have the impression that there is a dispute...