Mrs Birling Flashcards
“Y k h, G - a y a n - y m k i i t.”
“You know him Gerald - and you’re a man - you must know it isn’t true.”
Mrs Birling is convinced that her family are untouchable and perfect. She is embarrassed that Gerald may see past that and ruin their reputation.
“G o t c.”
“Girl of that class.”
A clear example of Mrs Birling’s snobbery. Even if Eva is dead this doesn’t stop her from voicing her prejudiced opinions.
“Y k o c t m h w L M o t y a.”
“You know of course that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago.”
Similarly to Mrs Birling, she tries to use social standing to intimidate Inspector Goole.
“Y h n p o m t c m m.”
“You have no power over me to change my mind.”
She feels no regret and is very aggressive towards the Inspector for insinuating that she is wrong.
“I w m w h h t o o e - w p b i a.”
“It wasn’t I who had her turned out of employment - which probably began it all.”
Mrs Birling will turn against her husband to save her own reputation. Possibly a sign of the underlying family tensions that also surface elsewhere.
“A r c w a h h s s.”
“A rather cold woman and her husband’s social superior.”
Description in the opening stage directions.
“A y n s t s s t.”
“Arthur you’re not supposed to say such things.”
Mrs Birling is Mr Birling’s social superior and she has grown up on the lap of luxury.
