Mrs Birling Flashcards
What is Mrs Birling compared to And why is this unusual?
Mrs Birling is Mr Birling’s ‘social superior’. This is unusual as at the time Britain was a patriarchal society. Due to the fact she is a woman she is seen as inferior to her husband although she is socially superior.
How is Mrs Birling presented throughout the play?
Mrs Birling is prevented as judgmental, lacking empathy, Prejudiced, privileged and is a great example of the generational divide.
The way Mrs Birling is present this does not change throughout the play in the way that some characters personality develop.
If anything, our original judgments of Mrs Birling are only proven throughout the course of the play through her actions.
Where is Mrs B presented as judgemental?
‘She was giving herself ridiculous airs. she was claiming … fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her position.’ - Act 2
Where is Mrs B presented as Remorseless?
“I’m sorry she should have come to such a horrible end. But I accept no blame for it at all” - Act 2
Where is Mrs B presented as lacking empathy?
“I’ll tell you what I told her. Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility” - Act 2
Where is Mrs B presented as Prejudiced?
‘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
‘Girls of that class - ‘ - Act 2
Where is Mrs B presented as Priviledged?
‘All right, Edna. I’ll ring from the drawing room when we want coffee. Probably in about half an hour’ - Act 1
‘I did nothing I’m ashamed of or that won’t bear investigation’ - Act 2
How does Mrs B play into the stereotypical age/generational divide?
Mrs Birling Plays into the stereotypical generational divide as she fails to learn and accept social responsibility for what happened to Eva Smith. She criticises her children for feeling regret and for wanting to change their attitudes and lifestyles in order to be more socially responsible.
‘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. ‘ -Act 3
