Mrs B Mr H Flashcards
What class does Mrs Birling believe Eva and ‘girls of that class’ deserve?
The bad things that happen to them
What is Mrs Birling’s attitude towards Eric’s drinking problem?
She is in denial
How does Mrs Birling feel about Gerald’s affair?
She does not believe it happened
What is Mrs Birling’s view of the Inspector?
She does not respect him
How does Mrs Birling respond to Eva when she seeks help?
She turns her away
What emotion does Mrs Birling show regarding Eva Smith’s death?
No remorse
What does the adverb ‘reproachfully’ suggest about Mr. Birling’s comments?
It suggests disapproval of his comments
This indicates a critique of Mr. Birling’s perspective.
What does Sheila’s recollection of what is ‘supposed’ to be said indicate?
It highlights her social superiority and understanding of etiquette
This reflects her awareness of societal norms.
What traits does Priestley draw attention to in Sheila’s character?
Her well-bred traits and small-mindedness
This suggests a critique of upper-class values and attitudes.
What term describes Mrs. Birling’s attitude as conveyed in the text?
Brazen snobbery
This term illustrates her arrogant demeanor and self-importance.
What does ‘gross impertinence’ signify in relation to Mrs. Birling?
Heightens her status as a caricature of the judgmental rich
This phrase emphasizes her exaggerated and negative traits.
What did Mrs. Birling think influenced her view against the case?
Simply a piece of gross impertinence
This reflects her dismissive attitude towards others.
What verb illustrates Mrs. Birling’s belief in the legitimacy of her views?
Prejudiced
This verb indicates her biased perspective and narrow sense of morality.
What irony does Priestley share about Mrs. Birling’s involvement?
Helping on a Charity committee
This highlights the contradiction between her charitable actions and her judgmental nature.
What effect does the character’s refusal to give in have on others?
Makes other characters seem weak
This highlights the strength of the character in contrast to others.
How does the character’s statement ‘I was the only one of you who didn’t give in to him’ contribute to the narrative?
Accentuates her righteousness
This statement emphasizes her competitive edge and self-importance.
What does the pronoun contrast between ‘I’ and ‘you’ signify?
Amplifies her self-importance and righteousness
This contrast indicates a division between her and the others.
What is the implication of the character’s refusal to accept the Inspector’s views?
Her words become more alarming
This suggests a strong opposition to the voice of reason represented by the Inspector.
What aspect of the character’s dialogue contributes to her competitive edge?
The assertiveness in her words
Her dialogue reflects a strong stance against conformity.
How does Priestley present Mrs Birling in An Inspector Calls?
As a repellent snob who shows no remorse and sees the working classes as a homogenous mob of undeserving poor
Priestley critiques capitalism through her character.
What does Mrs Birling represent in the play?
An emblem of the Aristocracy only interested in her own class
This reflects the class divide in British society.
How is Mrs Birling described in the stage directions?
As ‘a rather cold woman and her husband’s social superior’
The adjective ‘cold’ suggests a lack of warmth and compassion.
What does the phrase ‘her husband’s social superior’ imply?
Class and her position within the Upper Classes are significant
It invites the audience to reflect on class attitudes in 1912.
How does Priestley convey Mrs Birling’s self-confidence?
Through her described entrance as ‘briskly and self-confidently’
This highlights the arrogance of the Upper classes.