Mrs Birling Flashcards
Shows she has very traditional views on class and behaviour
“What an expression Sheila” + “you’re not supposed to say those things”
Is prejudiced towards the lower classes and thinks they are of a lower morality to upper classes
“As if a girl like that would ever refuse money!”
Is ignorant to things she doesn’t want to hear e.g. Eric’s drinking problem which shows the narrow-mindedness of the upper class
“It isn’t true” + “You’re not that type - you don’t get drunk”
Falls into the Inspector’s trap despite the truth being obvious, showing she isn’t taking in what he is saying (unlike Sheila) and so is not willing to learn
“I blame the young man who was the father of the child she was supposed to have”
Stubborn and won’t change her opinions as she firmly believes she is in the right
“I accept no blame for it at all”
Isn’t evasive of the Inspector’s questions because she believes she’s done nothing wrong
“I’ve done nothing wrong - and you know it” (in response to “You admit being prejudiced against her case”)
Takes pride in the fact that she didn’t cave when the Inspector asked her questions, showing she hasn’t learnt her lesson
“I was the only one of you who didn’t give in to him”
Is patronising towards her children and believed them incapable of forming their own opinions when they are the ones in the right
“They’re over-tired”
Forgives Gerald and forgets what he did to Sheila, despite how what he did was much worse than what Eva did (bias towards upper class)
“you argued this very cleverly, and I’m most grateful”
Stage directions at end show she prioritises coming out on top over Eva’s suicide and has put it all behind her
[smiling]
[triumphantly]
Like Mr Birling, initially uses her class as a power play to try gain high ground (shows this is what she usually does with people she meets + is usually successful as she is surprised when it isn’t)
“You know of course that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate”
Even when she says sorry it is very empty and it’s bluntness and lack of justification shows she doesn’t mean it + Immediately contradicts herself
“I’m very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame”
