mrs b - key quotes

Question 1

“I don’t think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this.” what does this quote show

Answer 1

Society and reputation
Mrs Birling is obsessed with how she and her family are perceived by others - she does not want to risk Gerald thinking that they do not know how to behave properly in society because this could damage the Birlings’ reputation.

Women
She also disapproves of Mr Birling mentioning business matters in front of Sheila. This is because it was not considered appropriate to discuss business with women, who were thought to be too fragile, unintelligent and emotionally unstable to take part in such conversations.

Etiquette Mrs Birling, being of a higher social class, understands the rules of pre war etiquette (custom behaviour) very well. She scolds (tells off) her husband for discussing business at the dinner table, when they are celebrating and her daughter is present.

Question 2

‘I was the only one who didn’t give in to him’ what does this quote show

Answer 2

Mrs Birling is almost smug in this statement because she mocks the others for answering Inspector Goole’s questions truthfully. This emphasises her selfish, uncaring and cold nature.

Mrs Birling views it as a victory that she did not accept any of the blame the Inspector tried to lay at her feet. She is almost smug in this statement because she mocks the others for answering Inspector Goole’s questions truthfully.