Mrs Birling Flashcards
‘His wife is about fifty, a rather cold woman and her husband’s social superior.’ (p.1)
Mrs. Birling’s age is explicitly mentioned, serving as an indicator of her position within the older generation.
The adjective ‘cold’ draws attention to Mrs. Birling’s detached and unfeeling demeanor, foreshadowing her treatment of Eva Smith.
The reference to her being ‘her husband’s social superior’ reminds the audience that she comes from old money, having gained her social status without the need to work, possibly through inheritance.
“Men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business. You’ll have to get used to that just as I had”. (P.3)
- Highlights how money and power is limited with gender.
- Reminds Sheila that this is her role as a wife in their relationship and she is restricted to this. It gives an insight into the treatment of women at time.
”Now, Arthur, I don’t think you ought to talk business on an occasion like”. (P.4)
Mrs Birling is putting on a facade in front of Gerald in order to hide Mrs Birling’s true motif to use Gerald as a business opportunity to improve the social status of the Birling family. As well as to give them more credibility as they would become associated with people of a higher class.
“(Rising. The others rise) Yes, of course, dear. Well - don’t keep Gerald in here too long – I want you a minute”. (P.7)
In the stage directions, the other characters rise after Mrs. B rises, possibly indicating her higher social status. They follow her lead to understand how to behave, reflecting the influence of social hierarchy during that time. This gesture highlights the respect and deference the other characters have for Mrs. B, underscoring the significance of social status in that era.
The line “Don’t keep Gerald in here too long” may be Mrs. B’s attempt to prevent Birling from discussing business matters. She wants to avoid the appearance of using Gerald solely for his status and family business. This illustrates Mrs. B’s concern about maintaining a certain image and protecting her family’s reputation.
“You’re looking tired, dear. I think you ought to go to bed – and forget about this absurd business. You’ll feel better in the morning.” Page 30
Mrs B is trying to remove Sheila from the conversation forcefully as shown with the use of the word ‘ought’.
As well as this she is infantilising Sheila as usually parents would tell children when they should go to bed.
As well as this we can see that Mrs B uses the word “business”. This shows that Mrs B and Birling think similarly with a capitalist mindset.
“You know of course that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate- .” Page 31
This quote accentuates Mrs. Birling’s arrogant and entitled attitude toward her social status, as she attempts to flaunt it as a means to undermine the inspector.
The use of the possessive pronoun ‘my’ indicates that Mrs. Birling takes immense pride in her husband’s previous role as Lord Mayor and his current position as a magistrate, considering them as reflections of her own social standing. By mentioning this, she tries to intimidate the Inspector, insinuating that she and her family hold a higher social status than him. This display of entitlement reveals her belief that her social standing grants her power and authority over others.
“I don’t think we want any further details of this disgusting affair.“
The use of the pronoun ‘we’ suggests that Mrs Birling is speaking on behalf of her whole
family, showing how she is used to power and controlling situations. She also calls the situation a ‘disgusting affair’, showing how she is disassociating herself from the responsibility of the event. The term ‘affair’ suggests that it is a trivial matter and not worthy of attention, which reinforces her lack of empathy towards Eva Smith and her situation. By dismissing the matter, Mrs Birling highlights her ignorance and lack of understanding of the consequences of her family’s actions.
“But surely… I mean… it’s ridiculous…” Page 49
- The use of ellipses shows that Mrs B is finally lost for words and has nothing more to add to
the conversation. The use of the word “ridiculous” shows that Mrs B is willingly ignorant of the fact the Eric may be part of the investigation despite being completely aware of the situation. - The use of the word “surely” suggests that Mrs Birling thinks that people of her status can not do something like what Eric did because they are of the upper class. Mrs Birling clearly chooses what she wants to believe and what she doesn’t, which demonstrates her ignorance.
“(Distressed) Eric, I cant believe it. There must be some mistake. You don’t know what we’ve been saying.” Page 50
- This quote shows the Mrs Birling is being wilfully ignorant, and that she does not want to gre with anything that may harm her reputation.
- It has to be incorrect if she doesn’t agree with it, presenting her opinion as objective instead of subjective.
- “We’ve” – Shows that she does not fully accept responsibility because she does not agree with the statement.
“He certainly didn’t make me confess- as you call it. I told him quite plainly that I thought I had done no more than my duty.” Page 60
This quote highlights Mrs. Birling’s complete obliviousness to her partial responsibility for the death of Eva Smith. Additionally, she sees her role as merely concealing details and takes pride in not disclosing any information to Inspector Google. Furthermore, she displays a lack of emotion towards Eva Smith’s death, showing a complete disconnect and indifference to the tragic consequences of her actions.
“They’re over-tired. In the morning they’ll be as amused as we are.” Page 71
- ‘Over-tired’ a way of describing children showing she is still infantilising
- Has come full circle, still using the same techniques
- Amused shows they feel it is all a joke
