Mrs Birling Flashcards
Mrs Birling
Priestley uses Mrs Birling to …… the ……. of the ……. system which were evident in ……… society.
-Priestley Mrs Birling to CRITICISE the INEQUALITIES of the CLASS system which were evident in EDWARDIAN society.
Mrs Birling
How is she presented?
- As demanding and controlling.
- Could be because she is “her husband’s social superior”.
- Much of her time is spent obsessed with actions that might give a bad impression.
Mrs Birling
How is she seen to control others in Act 1?
“Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things”
“Now, Sheila, don’t tease him”
“Eric, I want you a minute.”
“I don’t think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this”
Mrs Birling
Why is she established as bossy and controlling at the start of the play?
-In order to set up inevitable conflict with Inspector Goole when he arrives.
“A trifle impertinent” (Act 2)
“Peculiar and offensive” (Act 3)
Mrs Birling
How is her conflict with the Inspector important? (Context)
-Her discomfort when the Inspector refuses to obey her is used as an example of the upper and middle class’ complacency when it comes to the law.
Mrs Birling
How does she try to get the Inspector to give her an easier time?
Her and Birling name drop the people they know in the police force expecting less harsh treatment.
-Corruption as they are using contacts to avoid prosecution.
Mrs Birling
How is she used as a dramatic device to develop tension?
-Of all characters she is most resistant to confess her connection to Eva Smith.
“No, why should I?”
With every refusal and denial tension builds up.
Mrs Birling
Use three words to describe Mrs Birlings character as a result of her ease of life.
Petty
Self-centered
Egocentric
Mrs Birling
Why was Eva dependant on Mrs Birlings charity?
-There was a lack of help from the government (no benefits, no NHS, no access to contraception).
Mrs Birling
How is Mrs Birling used to criticise the aid system in 1912?
- Mrs Birling’s persuasion due to prejudice stops the committee from helping Eva.
- Used to demonstrate how fallible the system was.
Mrs Birling
What were her opinions on the lower classes?
That they will lie, accept stolen money and they are to blame for their own situation.
She makes this very clear.
Mrs Birling
Why did she help out in a charitable committee?
-Her ulterior motive is more to do with what it looks like to chair such a committee and to wield power rather than be driven by the desire to help other people.
Mrs Birling
How is the reference to bells significant in presenting her sign of privilege
- Tells Edna she will “ring” from the drawing room.
- System of bells had fallen out of common usage by 1945.
- Shows how traditional and archaic the Birlings were.
