Mrs Birling Flashcards
“Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things”
At the start of the play, Mrs Birling’s character is presented as snobbish and obsessed with social etiquette. She reprimands Mr Birling for complimenting the cook, which suggests she believes certain topics are inappropriate for discussion at the dinner table The use of “not supposed to” suggests she’s very concerned with appearances and social propriety. Mrs Birling is clearly someone who values status and is willing to enforce these rules, even in her own home. The phrase implies she sees herself as the moral authority, trying to police what’s said and maintain a sense of dignity. It also shows her sense of superiority—she thinks her family should be acting in a way that aligns with her own narrow views of respectabilit
I was the only one of you who didn’t give into him
In this quote, Mrs Birling is addressing her family after the Inspector has questioned them. She proudly states that she was the only one who “didn’t give in” to the Inspector’s questioning, implying that she has resisted his influence and remained steadfast. The phrase “I was the only one” highlights her belief that she is morally superior to the others, as if her refusal to be swayed makes her right. This presents Mrs Birling as stubborn and self-righteous. She doesn’t see the Inspector’s challenge as an opportunity to reflect or acknowledge her mistakes but as an affront to her authority. Priestley uses this moment to show that Mrs Birling, like many in the upper class, is resistant to change and unwilling to confront the moral issues in society. Her pride in not “giving in” demonstrates her belief that her social status and sense of superiority make her beyond reproach.
“I think she had only herself to blame.” (Act 2)
When Mrs Birling is told of Eva Smith’s tragic story, she coldly declares, “I think she had only herself to blame.” The word “only” here shows how she dismisses any other factors that may have contributed to Eva’s downfall, reducing the entire situation to a personal failure of Eva herself. Mrs Birling fails to see the wider social forces that shaped Eva’s life—such as class inequality, gender discrimination, and the abuse of power by people like herself. Instead, she places the blame entirely on Eva, suggesting she was responsible for her own suffering. This quote presents Mrs Birling as lacking empathy and narrow-minded. She is dismissive of the consequences of her own actions and shows no recognition of the social responsibilities the upper class should have. Priestley uses her character to critique the selfishness and moral blindness of the ruling class, who fail to acknowledge their role in the suffering of the poor.
“You know, of course, that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate…” (Act 3)
Mrs Birling uses her husband’s position to try to intimidate the Inspector and assert her own authority. By listing his prestigious roles, she believes that their social status should shield them from any repercussions. The phrase “You know, of course” assumes that everyone should automatically recognise the importance of her family’s wealth and influence. This quote presents Mrs Birling as obsessed with status and entitled, believing that her family’s connections protect them from accountability. She doesn’t see the moral issues the Inspector is raising; rather, she feels that their social position should absolve them of any guilt. Priestley uses this to show the corruption of the upper class and their refusal to acknowledge the needs of others in society. Mrs Birling’s focus on status rather than social responsibility further underscores her moral blindness and lack of empathy.
“I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it…” (Act 3)
This is Mrs Birling’s reaction when she learns that her son, Eric, is involved in Eva Smith’s downfall. The repetition of “I don’t believe it” shows her refusal to accept the truth, even when the evidence is right in front of her. It also suggests that she is so focused on maintaining the respectability of her family that she cannot come to terms with her own son’s wrongdoing. Mrs Birling’s refusal to believe in Eric’s involvement shows her denial and her inability to accept responsibility. She is more concerned with protecting her family’s reputation than with facing the consequences of their actions. This moment highlights her self-deception and moral rigidity, as she is unable to reconcile her preconceived notions of her family with the reality of their behaviour. Priestley uses this denial to show the disconnect between the privileged classes and the truth—a disconnect that makes it difficult for characters like Mrs Birling to confront their own failings.
“I had done no more than my duty.”
Mrs. Birling’s use of the phrase “my duty” is ironic because, instead of helping Eva, she used her influence to deny her support. The noun “duty” suggests she believes she was morally justified, reinforcing her rigid, self-righteous attitude. Priestley presents her as a character who hides behind authority and rules to avoid personal responsibility. Her cold and bureaucratic mindset reflects the flaws of the upper class, as she prioritises social status over genuine compassion. This highlights her inability to change, contrasting with the younger generation’s moral development.
“In the morning they’ll be as amused as we are.”
Here, Priestley uses dramatic irony to expose Mrs. Birling’s complete failure to understand the situation. The word “amused” is particularly striking—it suggests she treats the night’s events as insignificant, despite the fact that a young woman has died. This makes her seem callous and out of touch, reinforcing Priestley’s criticism of the older generation’s refusal to accept blame. Additionally, her belief that Sheila and Eric will simply “get over it” shows her failure to recognise their emotional and moral transformation. This moment cements her as one of the play’s most static and unsympathetic characters.
overview
Mrs Birling is a cold, arrogant, and morally blind character who embodies upper-class privilege. She lacks empathy, blames Eva for her own misfortune, and refuses to accept responsibility. Obsessed with status and reputation, she tries to use her influence to avoid scrutiny. Stubborn and unrepentant, she learns nothing from the Inspector’s visit, reinforcing Priestley’s critique of the upper class’s selfishness and moral failure.
conclusion
Mrs Birling is portrayed as a proud, unsympathetic, and socially ignorant character who embodies the arrogance of the upper class. She refuses to acknowledge any responsibility for Eva Smith’s suffering, showing coldness, denial, and a deep-rooted belief in her own superiority. Her obsession with status and power blinds her to the consequences of her actions, reinforcing Priestley’s criticism of the wealthy elite. Through Mrs Birling, Priestley highlights the dangers of privilege without responsibility, urging the audience to embrace change and recognise the importance of social justice and collective responsibility.
