Mrs Birling

Question 1

Mrs Birling’s role in play

Answer 1

• Matriarch, social superior to Arthur
• Sybil symbolizes the arrogance of the upper classes and their lack of social conscience. Her refusal to accept blame critiques the cruelty hidden behind social respectability.

Question 2

Mrs Birling’s Adjectives

Answer 2

Cold, snobbish, prejudiced, proud, lacks empathy

Question 3

“I used my influence to have it refused.”

Answer 3

Shows misuse of power and lack of compassion.
Highlights her sense of superiority and prejudice.
Reflects the theme of social hierarchy and injustice.

Question 4

“I accept no blame for it at all.”

Answer 4

Refusal to accept responsibility contrasts sharply with the younger generation.
Priestley criticizes the older generation’s resistance to change.

Question 5

Mrs Birling’s development in play

Answer 5

Like Arthur, Sybil doesn’t change. She blames Eva for her own suffering and uses her position to refuse help to her.

Question 6

Themes linked with Mrs Birling

Answer 6

Class and Prejudice
Responsibility
Morality

Question 7

Priestley’s message through Mrs Birling

Answer 7

Sybil symbolizes the arrogance of the upper classes and their lack of social conscience. Her refusal to accept blame critiques the cruelty hidden behind social respectability.

Question 8

“Girls of that class”

Answer 8

• Stereotypes of working class women
• Associates immorality with them
• Infantilising

Question 9

Mrs Birling personality

Answer 9

• Not sensitive to the emotions of others
• very controlled and quick to regain herself