The Origins of Vernacular Language and Its Spread free essay sample

The term vernacular can be defined as using a language that is native to a country or province, rather than a cultured, foreign, or literary language. The vernacular languages would also be considered as the large family of contemporary â€Å"Romance† languages (Matthews, 2007). These vernacular languages would one day be known to use as Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and etc. Before the twelfth century, Latin was the major language that was used for literature and among the educated. The findings of Latin were influenced by other native languages which included those of Celtic languages, Greek, and Etruscan (University of Calgary, 1996). The Latin language was consistently developed due to the fact there were significant differences during each period. These differences included those in the literary written language, and also due to differences in the spoken language of the educated and those of the less educated populace. Development of Vernacular Language In the beginning, Latin was only one of several Italic languages in which all of them belonged to the Indo-European linguistic family, and the development of these languages were influenced by other tongues, including the language known as Celtic, Etruscan and Greek. We will write a custom essay sample on The Origins of Vernacular Language and Its Spread or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Like many other languages, Latin language underwent continuous development. During each period of its evolution there were many differences between the literary written language, which was very distinct from the spoken language of the educated versus those of the less educated populace. Within the spoken language, borrowing from other tongues was common at all periods (University of Calgary, 1996). The development of literature and learning in Latin language was strongly influenced by the Greek, but for people in Western Europe the works of Latin authors had a gigantic range importance. This proved influential were the authors of the Golden Age (from c. 70 BCE to 14 CE), including the prose writers Cicero, Caesar and Livy. It also included the poets Virgil, Ovid and Horace, whose works have become part of a lasting literary and educational heritage that has survived for many centuries. Even after following the spread of Christianity, educated persons, including the Western (Latin) Fathers of the Church, continuously shared in this heritage (University of Calgary, 1996). After the Empire between 500-1000, vernacular language was also being used by the peninsula for popular celebrations of religious festivals, improvisational troupes of actors, story-tellers, etc (Matthews, 2007). Unfortunately none of the literature was written down so that it may be handed down to generations. However, although none of the literature was written down early on, there was enough of the literature left around the year 1200 to prove that the common language could be produced into real literature for the common people. The Spread of Vernacular Language Vernacular language was first spreaded by the French, which included their literary works, and by the time of the fourteenth century, vernacular works had already made its way through Europe. The shift from the Latin language to vernacular language presents an importance in the interest of courtly literature. During the rise of vernacular language, the woman’s role was not undermined. Reason being is that noble women were the ones to have commission works to be written in or translated into vernacular language, which helped to, preserve history. By the time of the fifteenth century, vernacular language was very well sought out to be the language of literature, historical record and personal expression. However, in the end vernacular language was often subjected to be standardized. The possibility of vernacular language being able to rise and spread was because many people did not speak Latin, not even the noble men. Vernacular language was eventually used over Latin, because it made it easier to convert people to Christianity. Technological advances, also helped spread vernacular language and lead to an increase in literacy rates were found to be essential. There were different factors behind the rise of vernacular language. The dream to spread Christianity, the desire of women to take part in cultural debates and the technological advances are only three of the many factors that made it possible for vernacular language to overtake the Latin language. A subsequent standardization of vernacular language is a said to be a logical consequence. Factor One: Spread Christianity Because the desire to make Christianity available for the broad population was so greatly desired, it is one of the important factors for the rise of vernacular language. Since monks were more versed in the studies of vernacular language, as well as science and the bible they were typically the ones who created an alphabet to translate the Latin bible into vernacular language. As soon as Christian readings and teachings were available in the vernacular language, it became much easier to convert people to Christianity (Bouchard, 2004). Even though vernacular language was used more than the Latin language, there was still a debate over whether or not religious services should be held in Latin or in vernacular language. This debate became one of the focal points of the Reformation in the sixteenth century (Slavitt, 1999). Factor Two: Women Wanting to Take Part As stated before, the role of women during the rise of vernacular language hould also have been not be undermined, as it was those noble women who had commissioned works to be written in or translated to vernacular language, which had helped preserved history (McCash, 2008). Even though schools were on the rise, that is at least for wealthy boys, the main subject remained Latin and although girls of the same social class was taught to read and identify Latin, they unfortunately did not learn its grammar or its true meaning (Orme, 2006). Therefore, when women decided they wanted to participate in cultural debates, they had to do so in vernacular language (McCash, 2008). Do to the fact that women did not know the true meaning and grammar of the Latin language, vernacular language was able to empowered women and lead them towards greater freedom of expression and by the fifteenth century, writings by women were no longer viewed as odd (McCash, 2008). Factor Three: Technological Advances In order for vernacular language to keep rising advances in technology and the import of papermaking techniques were important (Slavitt, 1999). The invention of movable letters and a printing process by Gutenberg allowed for mass production which was important for the spread of vernacular language as well. Literary works were faster and easier to make because of the printing process (Chappell, 2011). The Bible, was the first book printed by Gutenberg and to no surprise it was written in vernacular. The literacy rate prospered due to the technological advance, since anyone who could speak the vernacular language could learn how to read and write in it as well (Slavitt, 1999). (Slavitt, 1999). Going into the fifteenth century, vernacular language was well over established as the main language of literature, personal expression and historical record (McCash, 2008). Latin, did remain as an important language for official proceedings and science as it was considered to be safe from change (Vincze, 2009). The rise and spread of vernacular language was very much so possible because many people did not speak the Latin language. Vernacular language was able to thrive because of the various factors. Many languages from other countries that we hear and for some speak today come from the vernacular language.

Free Essays on Friendship

The definition of friendship is as subjective and diverse as the people of this world. Each person has a relationship with another person and that relationship is unique to that combination. Friendships grow and change as each individual will, and the definition of friendship grows and changes with each progressive relationship. When I was very young, I had been told not to talk to strangers. Although I understood the potential for danger, I couldn’t help thinking that I might be letting someone important slip by if I didn’t extend my friendship. In church, I would peek my head over the pews and smile at one or two of the people standing there. Most of the people would smile back at me, and I don’t think there was a better feeling in the world. There I was, maybe two or three years old, and I was capable of making adult friends without using a single word. Sunday after Sunday I would try out my smile on new people or launch it without thinking to the familiar faces. Back then, my definition of friendship was broad enough to include the relationship I had with anyone at all who might smile at me. Later, in grade school, it became more difficult to get and keep friends. At the time, I felt I was the only one experiencing sudden shifts in the tide, but as I reflect on my early friendships, I think that each of us as young people are subjected to the fickle nature of children who are defining and redefining friendship, experimenting with identity and imagining themselves, almost daily, as a different person. We defined ourselves by dress and speech as well as by our cliques and acquaintances, so our friends were often accessories to our moods. Hearts were broken, but most of the time they were also quickly healed. Few people stood out as committed companions. They were the ones who managed to fluctuate mood and identity in tandem, and so were able to accompany each other on the journey to identity. In high school, ... Free Essays on Friendship Free Essays on Friendship The effect of friendship Although, others may disagree in the matter of the importance of friendship may have on someone’s life. Notice that when we make friends with people that often we don’t get the last name to. It seems unimportant and most only catch the first name, nor remembers such. It may seem trivial at the time but can end up being crucial later. Such as, this may cause hurt feelings even remembering birth dates and special moments that you share to be forgotten as though they are nothing is one of the many things in friendship that is often seen occur. The main focus on this is how well do you truly know your friends and how well do they know you understanding one another’s needs should be fairly easy if you truly care for one another. Friendship is a two way street and it appears to be often one of the great many things we tend to take for granted, but some believe that this is how friendships are supposed to be! However, forgetting last names (often called name-dropping), for when they are intentionally forgotten. For instance; anything from divulging a secret that is meant to be kept, to dating one of your best-friends past lovers can make primary cause for a fight. Going back to being taken for granted; when one is always prompt and can be supportive of plans and events that are scheduled in advance. However; they are as most people say now a days, â€Å"blown off† and often the ones that take this to heart is the people whom is never get credit for their efforts. This can lower ones self worth and feeling of morality towards themselves. Something’s that lead to this to turn into a major issue is the fact that they often go unnoticed and are â€Å"swept under the rug,â€Å" so to speak. Perhaps; worse, yet they go never at all are they acknowledged by anyone? Becoming soul dependent upon those that are supposedly your friends in this can lead to low self-esteem. In which an action is taken agains... Free Essays on Friendship A writer once said â€Å" A real friend is someone who is one walks in when the rest of the world walks out.† In A Separate Peace, Gene jounced the limb so his friend Finny could fall and get hurt. There could have been many reasons but there really is one could it be that Gene was jealous of Finny. There can be many reasons why Gene pushed Finny out of the tree maybe one reason would be that Gene was jealous of Finny because he was more popular and he was good at sports. In John Knowels A Separate Peace, he described many reasons that Gene would Jounce the limb so Finny could fall. This accident would ruin their friendship and then they wouldn’t be the same. â€Å" I jounced the limb. I caused it. I deliberately jounced the limb so you would fall.† Gene told Finny that he did it on purpose he couldn’t hold it back anymore. He felt guilty for what he had done and Gene had to tell finny the truth. What really happened? Now Finny is confused because ho doesn’t know why his best friend would do something like this. â€Å" Everything that had happened through out the day faded like that first fall snow fall of the winter. Phineaus was back.† Gene was mad because finny came back and all the popularity that Gene had gotten all went to Finny. This would ruin their friendship because Gene was mad and he wanted to feel like he was wanted and popular. When Finny came back Gene felt as if Finny stole all of the popularity away from him. â€Å" Sports are finished for him after an accident like that.† This would also hurt their friendship because Finny played sports and now that he can’t play sports he doesn’t know what to do. Since Gene caused the accident to Finnys leg Finny would be mad at him for ruining his sports life. But Finny would also be mad at Gene because Gene had the smarts and didn’t have to try hard in school to get a good grade and Finny would have to try really hard to even break a c. â€Å" A real ... Free Essays on Friendship I know I am just beginning my teen years, but one thing I have already learned is people can talk after you. Then the problem starts. I have lots of friends but I don’t like them all. The reason is they talked after me and I cant trust them. On the first day of school I earned new friends. We shared our secrets and laugh together. But I realize that it wont continue. They were closer to me because they wanted me to tell them some secrets that I know about someone else. They were behaving very nicely to me, but she wasn’t thinking like that and talked behind my back s. When I understood this I got very angry. I trusted her; she was very good friend of mine. I didn’t talk to her. She was surprised, and asked me what had happened. I talked to her, and asked her why she did she talk after me. She couldn’t answer and went away. She broke my heart. After this experience (This was an experience for me) I was too careful not to trust to wrong person. The days passed. She apologized from me and we are good friends now. Of course I couldn’t forget what had happen to me, but she promised that she will never talk after me again. I want to give you advice. You have to choose your friends very carefully, because friendship is one of the most important things in your teen years. They affect your life very much. You have to now the value of true friends and you mustn’t broke their heart. So please be careful when you’re choosing your true friends. Don’t break their heart and NEVER LEAVE THEM!... Free Essays on Friendship Philosophy Writing for LES MISERABLES Victor Hugo ¡Ã‚ ¯s novel LES MISERABLES is an example of literary Romanticism. Marius Pontemercy courted Cosette from afar, and won her affections with a love letter. Marius crafted his persona with words, representing and embodying himself in a letter, and he gave this letter to the woman he loved, in the hopes that she would see the depth and sincerity of his love. In Marius ¡Ã‚ ¯s love poem to Cosette, he compared her to a shining star. The next evening, they both declared their love as "disembodied spirits," even forgetting at first to tell each other their names. Hugo gave away his views on certain subjects in his writing. He sought compassion for the poor and reform for the prison by creating characters that touched the hearts of the readers, and which encouraged them to change. LES MISERABLES is Victor Hugo's epic novel of love and honor. The protagonist, Jean Valjean, is an ex-convict, who has spent nineteen years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving family, as well as for repeated escape attempts. He vows to become an honest man after being saved from a second arrest by M.Myriel. Later he falls in love with a doomed prostitute, Fantine. At her untimely death, Valjean promised to raise her daughter Cosette, all the while being hunted by the policeman Javert. An older Cosette falls passionately in love with Marius, a charismatic young soldier. Jean Valjean's quest for redemption reaches its climax when he chooses to sacrifice his freedom in order to save Cosette's love. Jean Valjean is a virtual saint in the novel.... Free Essays on Friendship There are lots of different people who enter our lives, but only certain individuals can actually form true friendships. Many times, friends are people who are supportive and provide unconditional help. Encouragement also exemplifies an important aspect of real friendship. Most importantly, friends are people who have true moral values that not only reflect on themselves, but also on their surroundings. Proper friendship develops on the basis of various aspects that define a good and caring person. A good and true friend depicts someone who is supportive and always lends a helping hand. Since decisions play a big role in everyone’s life, friends are there to give advice and facilitate the decision. For instance, if a teenage girl is going through certain difficulties such as peer pressure and is forced to make a decision that might be detrimental to her, she will almost certainly seek the advice of someone supportive. Regardless of the difficulty of any given situation, a helpful and caring companion like a friend will assist the teenage girl in making the proper decision. Being there to help enhance another individual’s life by being supportive is the essence of friendship. There are many individuals whose weakness lays in their lack of self-confidence. These individuals struggle in making the right decisions, and as a result turn to a good friend who is able to present the proper encouragement and self-assurance needed. For example, if an insecure man has an amazing talent to write and is aware of a writing contest that can win him a lot of money, he will most likely try to seek the encouragement of a good friend. Knowing that a lack of self-confidence is in the way of a great opportunity for the man, a friend will infuse the assurance needed to make the right decision. Helping someone succeed by making him realize his own capability is another great aspect of friendship. Since, influence is a major part of every person’... Free Essays on Friendship There are many kinds of people, that have many different backgrounds. Everyone is unique and special in their own way but one thing that everyone has in common is friends. There isn’t one person who doesn’t have at least one friend. It is human nature to want to interact with other people. There are many kinds of friendships but all friendships must have love, respect and honesty without these things there isn’t really a friendship. Love in a friendship is a major part of that friendship. Being there when a friend needs help shows the love for that friend. When a friend is upset they expect someone to come to their rescue and cheer them up. Love is unconditional even if the friendship doesn’t last their will still be love for that old friend. Respect is not invading the other person’s territory. If they need some space let them have some space. A real friend would never get involved with another friends significant other. Never walk away from a friend just because they have a big problem and have asked for help. Listen to what the friend has to say and never give advice to early. They might take it to heart. When a friend comes over crying because they have just gotten into an argument with a family member they just want an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. Wait to give advice until the friend has cooled of from the situation. Honesty is something that every friendship needs in order to keep the friendship. If the friendship lacks honesty there isn’t really a friendship at all. If friends can’t trust each other with their money then how are they going to be able to trust each other with their secrets. A person has to be true to themselves before they can be honest with another person. In the long run being honest to a friend is the best advice someone can give. The truth is the best way to solve any problem. A f... Free Essays on Friendship The definition of friendship is as subjective and diverse as the people of this world. Each person has a relationship with another person and that relationship is unique to that combination. Friendships grow and change as each individual will, and the definition of friendship grows and changes with each progressive relationship. When I was very young, I had been told not to talk to strangers. Although I understood the potential for danger, I couldn’t help thinking that I might be letting someone important slip by if I didn’t extend my friendship. In church, I would peek my head over the pews and smile at one or two of the people standing there. Most of the people would smile back at me, and I don’t think there was a better feeling in the world. There I was, maybe two or three years old, and I was capable of making adult friends without using a single word. Sunday after Sunday I would try out my smile on new people or launch it without thinking to the familiar faces. Back then, my definition of friendship was broad enough to include the relationship I had with anyone at all who might smile at me. Later, in grade school, it became more difficult to get and keep friends. At the time, I felt I was the only one experiencing sudden shifts in the tide, but as I reflect on my early friendships, I think that each of us as young people are subjected to the fickle nature of children who are defining and redefining friendship, experimenting with identity and imagining themselves, almost daily, as a different person. We defined ourselves by dress and speech as well as by our cliques and acquaintances, so our friends were often accessories to our moods. Hearts were broken, but most of the time they were also quickly healed. Few people stood out as committed companions. They were the ones who managed to fluctuate mood and identity in tandem, and so were able to accompany each other on the journey to identity. In high school, ...

Small group communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Small group communication - Essay Example An effective small group that would guarantee efficient results is one that has established clear roles for the small group members. Firstly, there should be a task leader. A task leader is probably one of the key people within the small group as he controls the direction of the group and initiates debate points. He is resourceful enough to know when a point has been exhausted and also has the ability to come up with debatable points whose answers contribute to the overall discussion. The other critical aspect for a small group is communication. The members of the small group should understand each other they should be able to discern information provided by other members. This ensures that no single point escapes. In totality, this contributes to a healthy group discussion and one that maximizes on the resourcefulness of all the members. Looking through the definition forwarded by the text it is possible to identify our class groups as small groups. A project team, as it was constit uted to achieve a particular goal which was discussion of various academic topics. The intention of the project team was to improve our functionality in groups as well as integrate variable knowledge as presented by various group members. However, the only qualification as a small group only lay in the numbers and communication interactions. This was the only congruent aspect as our small group lacked a communication pattern. There were no ground rules that ensured the discussions remained focused on the subject matter. This was largely due to lack of a task leader. A task leader is defined as the person who emerges as the most qualified to lead a specific small group dealing with a particular problem (Cragan, Wright and Kasch 39). This type of a person lacked in our small group. The result was an uncoordinated group that engaged in debates far from the intended topics. It would take a long time to have the group members focus again on the topic of discussion. The greatest problem was that every time one of the group members seemed to take control of the group he was fast criticized and this again translated to a disorderly discussion. The text identifies that task leaders are not necessarily known at the inception of the

The armys professional culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The armys professional culture - Essay Example Artifacts are visible paraphernalia in their diverse camps, which seek to remind soldiers of the hierarchy that they ought to obey (Hearn 2006). Consequently, a value system has seven values that are specific to the defense force. This facilitates cohesion in the camps which soldiers converge to perform their duties. The mission of the army is as follows; first, it seeks to offers soldiers who are ready to fight and already armed with the necessary artillery (Bonn 2005). Further, the army aims to produce soldiers that are fit to fight everywhere in the globe. In addition, the army has to fulfill a threshold (global requirements) in a bid to accomplish its assignment. It is notable to reveal that indeed the army is well adapted to its current missions because of the following; the proficient uniqueness in the army enables the soldiers to put their duty of protecting a country first. This is an adaptability, which reminds each soldier to work hard, in turn; the army achieves some of its goals. Secondly, there is creation of bonds among the soldiers, which enables them to create functional bonds. In addition, the establishment of a professional family aims to encourage soldiers to fight even when there is detachment from their families (Bonn 2005). Thirdly, the next adaptability is the involvement of hierarchy in the operation of the army. In particular, the clarity in the division of authority enables a further discipline in the soldiers. Consequently, the impact of this discipline on the soldiers heightens their good conduct when at war. Moreover, the army, is able to sustain the fulfillment of its mission because of the tailor made code of ethic of the army. There is a demand of all soldiers to ensure his or her nation has credit because of the uniqueness of the army. In addition, the policy dictates that the soldiers be of strict moral upbringing in order to understand

Critical Paper Dulce Et Decorum Est Essay Example for Free

Critical Paper Dulce Et Decorum Est Essay Wilfred Owen’s Dulce et Decorum Est is a forlorn poem of his experience in the First World War. Owen recounts his story as he and fellow infantrymen march ‘knock-kneed, coughing like hags’ across the wasteland that is the battle front(line 2). Most of the focus is on the exhaustion from battle, but changes attention when ‘hoots’ of gas-shells rain down on their position. Weariness quickly turns to ‘An ecstasy of fumbling’ (line 9) as the soldiers fit their gas masks, but one soldier is not fast enough. Owen then relates his first hand tale and demise of the footman chocking to death from mustard gas. The reader is forced to witness this horrid death and ask ourselves; ‘Dulce et descorum est,/Pro patria mori’ (line 27-28). Lines 1-8 are used to describe a scene of war-torn men on a forced march across a wasteland. Such phrases as, ‘old beggars’, and ‘coughing like hags’ gives the reader an idea of what condition that the infantrymen are in. Such phrases denote a negative image as to associate the infantrymen as vagrants in poor physical condition. With those who ‘lost their boots’ now find themselves ‘blood-shod,’ rather than being bare foot. The word shod is an old English term for shoeing a horse, again negative connotation of the infantrymen as sub-human beings. Lines 5 and 7 give depth to the state of despondency that general infantrymen are in. Owen chooses the phrase ‘Drunk with fatigue’ to show the depth of exhaustion the infantrymen are experiencing. To be drunk, as to be intoxicated with the absolute exhaustion; denoting fatigue as some drug that overwhelms the senses and coordination. They do not give credence to the reality they are in until a gas shell sends them into an ‘ecstasy of fumbling’ for a gas mask. Ecstasy’ is used not to give the connotation of delight and happiness, but rather the stark contrast of frenzy. Lines 9 and 11 end with ‘fumbling’ and ‘stumbling’, respectively, to give depth the infantrymen’s state of condition. Later, in lines 14 and 16, an association is draw between the engulfing gas and a man drowning. Owen depicts a ma n in a green sea drowning (line 14) to be later plunging at him (line 16); both giving the allusion between being engulfed in water or noxious gas. Again, in line 17, Owen asks the reader to ‘pace.. in some smothering dream’; a reoccurring theme of being deprived of air. The second stanza utilizes the most guttural connotation of such words as to describe the corpse. From the ‘gargling†¦froth-corrupted lungs’, to the ‘vile, incurable sores’, Owen wants to galvanize the true wickedness of war. The reader is told of how gas can ‘corrupt lungs’ and put ‘sores on innocent tongues’. This contrast is vital because it depicts how war can taint that which is most holy. In saying that the corpse’s face hung ‘like a devil’s sick of sin,’ gives yet another reference between evil and war, but it has another meaning. To imply the devil would be overwhelmed with such amount of evil implies that one cannot grasp the horrors of war. The poem then ends with a sort of thesis statement that to die for one’s country is neither right nor sweet. Dulce begins as a slow trudge of despondent soldiers, to a fanatic race for safety, then a slow, visceral portrayal of life being wrenched away from man, opposed to the titles suggestion for war hysteria and propaganda. But the main theme is not to just illustrate the dregs of war but to give the reader the truth of war. He makes the reader place themselves on the front line to look death and despair in the eye.

Government and Politics - Cultural Purification and Discriminatory English Only Laws :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Cultural Purification and Discriminatory English Only Laws With continued diversity, stemming from immigration into the United States, the languages spoken here are continually transforming. Cultural misunderstandings and a lack of education on multi-lingualism have caused injustices inflicted on entire groups of people. Historical ideologies on what a "pure" American language should be has resulted in discriminatory "English Only" laws and other programs aimed at "cleansing" the American culture. The language debate can perhaps be traced to John Adams' proposal to the Continental Congress in 1780. The nation at that time was very culturally diverse. "It was commonplace to hear as many as twenty languages spoken in daily life" (ACLU). Adams however, made a proposal to the Continental Congress that would significantly effect this diversity. His call to, "purify, develop, and dictate", usage of the English language would have placed stringent restriction on the employment of any other languages beside English. Another of our Founding Father's myopic views on language and culture, discriminated against the German immigrants in the United States at the time. Benjamin Franklin, in the middle 1700's, feared the German influence could, "supersede Anglo supremacy, not only in language, but in terms of culture and political values" (NCBE). Thomas Jefferson espoused similar worries in 1803, in regard to the French in the Louisiana Territories. The prevailing view each of these Founding Fathers held was fear, propelled only by opinions that the immigrants would not be able to understand, and therefore not promote, "American values". The middle to late 1800's, saw other immigrant groups face like discrimination. The Know-Nothing Party, which was started in the 1850's, upheld anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant views. This ultimately led to language restrictions being placed on them. Due to English literary requirements, Chinese immigrants were, "attacked, barred from employment, disqualified from owning land, not allowed to vote" (NCBE). Laws restricting use of German in many public schools were also passed. One's culture and ideas becomes apparent through language. The distrustful leaders at the time though, were fearful of anything other than "pure American values", and language therefore became the avenue by which they chose to promote this purity. These historical efforts to "cleanse" the American language have no doubt contributed to feelings on language purification by politicians today. The effect of our nation's history of cultural ignorance has led to the creation of proposals that are damaging to those not yet proficient in the English language.

Mr birding in the opening of the play? Essay

Mr. Birling is presented as arrogant and a social climber through the stage directions at the start of the play. He is described at the start, in the stage directions, as a â€Å"heavy-looking, rather portentous man in his middle fifties but rather provincial in his speeches.† This implies that Birling is a man who was born in the countryside and that he is not from a very important background. This shows that because of Birling’s history, he’s a pompous man and he tries to show everybody how important he actually is; this is because of how his status used to be when he was growing up as a child. Priestley also conveys Mr. Birling as a pitiful social climber through what he says and his mannerisms at the start of the play. Priestley shows that Birling is aware of the people who are his social superiors, which is why he shows off about the port to Gerald, â€Å"it is exactly the same port your father gets.† He is proud that he is likely to be knighted, as this would move him even higher in the social circles. He claims that the party â€Å"is one of the happiest nights of my life.† This is not only because Sheila will be happy, but also because a merger with Crofts Limited will be good for his business. Through this Priestley presents Mr. Birling as selfish and very self-centered, showing that he only cares about himself and his business. Priestley does this to show that all capitalists were similar to Birling as they too only cared about their social status at the time. The use of dramatic irony in Mr. Birling’s speech presents him as foolish and Priestley is clearly mocking capitalist values. Priestley sets the play in 1912 because that year was before a lot of significant historical events took place. This makes it easy for Priestley to use dramatic irony to display Mr. Birling’s arrogance and foolishness. He confidently states that â€Å"nobody wants war† and that it will never happen, and he has great faith that the â€Å"unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable† ship Titanic will never sink. Priestley’s use of the repetition of the adjective â€Å"unsinkable† further accentuates Mr. Birling’s arrogance. Obviously all these things really did  occur much to the amusement of the 1945 audience, who now know not to take Mr. Birling as an intelligent, thoughtful person. Overall Priestley uses the character of Mr. Burling as a representative of capitalism, showing that capitalists were foolish and arrogant, just like Mr. Birling.