Mrs Birling Flashcards
purpose and function
a symbol for the hypocrisy of the upper-classes
demonstration for the need for a welfare state and a socialist society
“about fifty, a rather cold woman”
unsympathetic and individualistic nature
“cold women” would have been perceived as an oxymoron at the time - contemporary societal norms dictated that women were loving, maternal and emotional
describing her as ‘cold’ conveys her that such a detached attitude towards suffering is unatural
“leave you men”
complicit in her own oppression
demonstrates Mr’s Birling’s commitment to maintaining the patriarchal status quo
subservient to Mr Birling
“I won’t believe it”
denies social responsibility
“you’re behaving like a hysterical child”
perceives displays of emotions to be a sign of weakness
Shiela’s new found socialist views are opposed by Mrs Birling and therefore using hysteria to dismiss her as delusional is easier than attempting to argue for her corrupt views
“what business is it of yours?”
I beg your pardon”
Demonstrates Mrs Birlings abhorrence to the inspectors accusing forth right tone and accusation of Mrs Birling
Mr’s Birling is outraged at being dictated to by an inspector of a lower class
“Eric I can’t believe it. There must be some mistake”
Mrs Birling refuses this fact as it jeopardises the reputation of the Birling family
remains unsympathetic towards Eric despite denying aid to her granddaughter-to-be’s mother - which was the last thing that contributed to her suicide
Eva’s use of ‘Birling’ surname was a cause of embarrassment to Mrs Birling - she felt disgusted by being associated with the lower class
“impertinent”
describes Eva as this
Priestly portrays Mrs Birling as a manifestation of the cardinal sin of pride
Mrs Birling’s self importance and superiority drives her to abuse her privilege because she perceives the poor as inferior
her use of complex and elaborate use of language masks the unsubstanited nature of her arguments
