Mrs Birling Flashcards
IGNORANCE
“WOMEN OF THE TOWN” → shocked but should know that just because he has a high status doesn’t mean he is a good man
“AS IF A GIRL OF THAT SORT WOULD REFUSE MONEY” → doesn’t understand poor are just human beings and ironic because Eva has higher morals than Mrs B
LACK OF COMPASSION
refers to Eva as “THE GIRL” → doesn’t dignify her with a lack of respect, everyone deserves a name
“I’LL TELL YOU WHAT I TOLD HER, GO AND LOOK FOR THE FATHER” → can’t help a vulnerable woman would rather wash her hands of it.
PATRONISING/SNOB
“YOU KNOW OF COURSE MY HUSBAND WAS LORD MAYOR OWNLY 2 YEARS AGO” → threatening, trying to intimidate the inspector shows how upper classes will intimidate lower classes and use them
“YES I THINK IT WAS SIMPLY A PIECE OF GROSS IMPERTINENCE” → when eve uses her name, classist snob, Eva just uses Eric’s name but Mrs B assumes worst because she is working class. “gross” hyperbole makes her look superficial
REMORSELESS
“I ACCEPT NO BLAME AT ALL” → declarative emphasises she doesn’t understand what is wrong and this makes her look stupid
“YOU ARE LOOKING TIRED DEAR, I THINK YOU OUGHT TO GOT OBED AND FORGET ABOUT THIS ABSURD BUSINESS” → use of the word absurd when they are talking about someone dying. Just trying to hide it away shows she doesn’t care.
