Mrs Birling Flashcards
She is bossing her servant around
All right, Edna. I’ll ring from the drawing room when we want coffee. Probably in about half an hour. (Act 1)
She i telling Arthur how to act in the higher class
(reproachfully) Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things- (Act 1)
Tells Sheila off, believes woman should stick to stereotypes
What an expression, Sheila! Really the things you girls pick up these days! (Act 1)
Looks down in woman of that class and believes it was her fault because she was in that class in the first place
Please don’t contradict me like that. And in any case I don’t suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class—(Act 2)
Mrs Birling thinks that because she and her family don’t mix with lower class people they ought not to be questioned.
That – I consider – is a trifle impertinent, inspector. (Act 2)
she is boasting on helping the lower class (she only does it for rep, not to help people out)
(with dignity) Yes. We’ve done a great deal of useful work in helping deserving cases. (Act 2)
she feels that disrespecting her family name would “naturally” make her look down on the lower class woman and an excuse to not help her
Yes, I think it was simply a piece of gross impertinence – quite deliberate – and naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case. (Act 2)
because she is part of the aristocrat class, she feels as if she does not have the need of apologising to anyone.
If you think you can bring any pressure to bear upon me, Inspector, you’re quite mistaken. Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of or that won’t bear investigation. (Act 2)
Mrs. Birling is probably the least sympathetic towards Eva but she may have actually caused the most impact.
I’ll tell you what I told her. Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility. (Act 2)
Priestley uses Mrs Birling to demonstrate how the rich people of 1912 would decide their own prejudices on who deserves welfare and care and who doesn’t.
She was giving herself ridiculous airs. She was claiming elaborate fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her position. (Act 2)
Mrs Birling’s stubbornness only makes it worse for her when the truth comes out.
I didn’t see any reason to believe that one story should be any truer than the other. Therefore, you’re quite wrong to suppose I shall regret what I did. (Act 2)
Mrs Birling is prepared to contradict the Inspector even though she’s aware that her actions are wrong.
I’m sorry she should have come to such a horrible end. But I accept no blame for it at all. (Act 2)
Mrs Birling is quick to blame the father of the child. She just cannot wait for the blame to be passed onto someone else and so the bad attention is off of her.
If, as she said, he didn’t belong to her class, and was some drunken young idler, then that’s all the more reason why he shouldn’t escape. He should be made an example of. If the girl’s death is due to anybody, then it’s due to him. (Act 2)
More shocked at Eric stealing money than at the entire case
(shocked) Eric! You stole money? (Act 3)
Eric and Sheila have become the agents of change in the play.
Really, from the way you children talk, you might be wanting to help him instead of us. Now just be quiet so that your father can decide what we ought to do. (Looks expectantly at Birling.) (Act 3)
