Mrs Birling

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Deeply entrenched of her upper class lifestyle

Symptomatic of domestic life in the early 20th century

she perceived the suffrage movement as chaotic

Question 2

H.S.S

Answer 2

Husband’s social superior

emphasis on status reflects her belief in the inherent superiority of the upper classes.
Priestley uses this to highlight how social class shapes her rigid worldview, where wealth is prioritised over human dignity

Question 3

Y.H.T.G.U.T.T.J.A.I.D

Answer 3

You’ll have to get used to that just as I did

Mrs. Birling’s resigned tone signifies her acceptance of how capitalist patriarchy suppresses women’s voices
Priestley uses this to reveal the subjugation of women within the upper class

Question 4

Y.K.O.C.T.M.H.W.L.M

Answer 4

You know, of course that my husband was Lord Mayor

Mrs. Birling’s statement highlights her social pride and obsession with status
Priestley uses this to expose the way the upper classes manipulate power structures to maintain their influence and distance from accountability.

Question 5

G.O.T.C

Answer 5

Girls of that class

The derogatory phrase reinforces Mrs. Birling’s class prejudice, illustrating her disdain for anyone outside her social circle.
Priestley uses this to expose how attitudes towards the lower classes perpetuate their oppression.

Question 6

Y.S.T.H.M.A.G.I.O.T.C

Answer 6

You seem to have made a great impression on this child

Mrs. Birling’s comment shows her focus on Sheila’s compliance as she dismisses the moral truth of the situation.
This reflects her superficial worldview, where societal status and reputation are more important

Question 7

Y.A.T.M.C

Answer 7

You’ve argued this most cleverly

Mrs. Birling’s approval of Gerald’s argument shows her preference for manipulation over truth
Priestley uses this to highlight Mrs. Birling’s inability to recognise the moral weight of the situation, reinforcing her role as an obstacle to social change.

Question 8

I.W.T.O.O.O.Y.W.D.G.I.T.H

Answer 8

I was the only one of you who didn’t give in to him

the use of the adjective ‘only’ highlights her pride that she did not heed the inspector’s advice, emphasising her irredeemability and lack of empathy towards anyone outside her family