AIC - Mrs Birling

Question 1

Complete “a rather cold…”

Answer 1

“a rather cold woman”

Question 2

Analyse “a rather cold woman”

Answer 2

• The adjective ‘cold’ shows that Mrs Birling does not show any affection
• It foreshadows her lack of empathy for Eva Smith
• ## This can also be seen in her home which is “not cosy and homelike”

Question 3

Analysis for “her husband’s social superior”

Answer 3

• Her power and control seen in the play is a consequence of her superiority in society.
• This is also seen when she tells Mr Birling that he “mustn’t say such things”
• This is weird for two reasons.
  1. They live in a patriarchal society so it is unusual for her to order Mr Birling
  2. Normally people marry their own social class or higher.

Question 4

Analysis for “As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money”

Answer 4

• Labelling Eva Smith as ‘that sort’ illustrates the superiority that Mrs Birling feels
• Also the adjective ‘girl’ diminishes Eva Smith, showing that Mrs Birling does not respect her
• She makes it seem like Eva only cares about money when she is the same.
• She is only excited about Gerald marrying Sheila because of the money.