Mrs B Flashcards
‘His wife is about fifty, a rather cold woman and her husband’s social superior.’ (p.1)
An indicator of Mrs Birling’s position within the older generation through explicit mention of her age.
- Use of the adjective ‘cold’ brings attention to Mrs Birling’s detached and unfeeling approach which foreshadows her treatment of Eva Smith.
- Mention of being ‘her husband’s social superior’ reminds the audience that she is from old money as she has not needed to work in order to gain her social status and instead such wealth may have been inherited.
“(Reproachfully) Arthur, you’re not supposed to be saying such things— “ (p.2)
The use of the word “reproachfully” shows that Mrs Birling is trying to control how her family in order for them to act typically of an upperclass member. This shows that Mrs B may have come from higher status and uses social etiquette.
“Really the things you girls pick up these days!” (P.3)
Mrs Birling is trying to protect the image of her family in front of Gerald, which shows how, like her husband, is also concerned with social mobility.
- Mrs Birling is out of touch with her children, doesn’t know what they know and do
- Mrs Birling generalises Sheila with ‘you girls’, putting her into the same category as all young
women.
- This shows the generation divide between both Mrs Birling and Sheila.
“(Rising. The others rise) Yes, of course, dear. Well - don’t keep Gerald in here too long – I want you a minute”. (P.7)
In the stage directions, the others rise after Mrs. B rises this may be because Mrs B is of a higher social status and so the others follow her lead to know what how to act. It also shows the respect the other characters have for Mrs B which shows the impact that status had on the time.
- “Don’t keep Gerald in here too long”- may be because Mrs B is trying to make sure that Birling does not talk about business so that it would not seem as if they are using Gerald for his status and his family business.
“You’re looking tired, dear. I think you ought to go to bed – and forget about this absurd business. You’ll feel better in the morning.”
Mrs B is trying to remove Sheila from the conversation forcefully as shown with the use of the word ‘ought’.
As well as this she is infantilising Sheila as usually parents would tell children when they should go to bed.
As well as this we can see that Mrs B uses the word “business”. This shows that Mrs B and Birling think similarly with a capitalist mindset.
“Girls of that class - .”
Use of the noun “girls” shows a lack of respect for Eva Smith as she is treating her as a child.
Mrs B also refers to class. This shows that she bases her opinions on others depending on their status whilst disregarding personality. Since Eva Smith is from a lower class, Mrs B holds a negative opinion of her.
“Naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case.” Page 43
Mrs Birling is in this role to try and support and help others, but she is fulfilling her
responsibility as we’d expect. The use of the word ‘naturally’ shows that she believes what she had done was correct and any other in her position would’ve done the same, shows no remorse. The word ‘prejudiced’ shows that she is abusing her power in such a high role, this further symbolises how the upper class often look for their own benefit, disregarding the feelings of others.
“I’m very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame.” Page 43
Mrs Birling is shown as very uncaring as she puts full ‘blame’ onto Eva. Also, the fact Mrs
Birling said ‘only herself to blame’ shows how she isn’t willing to accept any social responsibility and tries to put the blame elsewhere.
“But surely… I mean… it’s ridiculous…” Page 49
The use of ellipses shows that Mrs B is finally lost for words and has nothing more to add to
the conversation. The use of the word “ridiculous” shows that Mrs B is willingly ignorant of the fact the Eric may be part of the investigation despite being completely aware of the situation.
- The use of the word “surely” suggests that Mrs Birling thinks that people of her status can not do something like what Eric did because they are of the upper class. Mrs Birling clearly chooses what she wants to believe and what she doesn’t, which demonstrates her ignorance.
“The rude way he spoke to Mr Birling and me- it was quite extraordinary!” Page 61
More concerned with tone than content as she is not used to being disrespected due to her
status.
- Doesn’t focus much on the accusations upon her.
- The phrase ‘Mr Birling and me’ presents Mrs Birling separating herself from her children and
only talking about her and Mr Birling’s struggle with the inspector.
- This shows the generational divide between the older and the younger generation.
- Mrs Birling
“(Smiling) and I must say, Gerald, you’ve argued this very cleverly, and im most grateful.”
Page 70
This quote shows Mrs Birling being welcoming to Gerald, even after she found out she was
unfaithful to Sheila
- The use of the word “cleverly” suggests that Mrs Birling recognizes Gerald’s skill in presenting
his argument, regardless of her personal feelings towards him. This highlights her ability to separate personal feelings from professional interactions.
