Mrs Birling Key Language & Structural Features

Question 1

Stage Directions

Answer 1

The stage descriptions of her actions change as the pretence is revealed e.g. ‘grandly’ / ‘haughtily’/ ‘triumphantly’ become ‘rather cowed’/ ‘distressed’ ‘staggered’ / ‘alarmed’.

Question 2

Her Language

Answer 2

Mrs Birling’s language is quite abrupt and dismissive: ‘that class’/ ‘that sort’/ ‘the type’. She believes she is morally and socially superior to them – she is a snob.

Question 3

Collapsing of Confidence

Answer 3

Later in the play Mrs Birling’s language is broken up into fragments that don’t connect: ‘No-Eric-please’. The fragmented speech echoes the collapsing of self-confidence and complacency of these very comfortable, middle class, wealthy characters. This is more shocking because of the contrast with how they were at the start of the play. The dashes could also represent the break down in their relationship.

Question 4

Imperatives

Answer 4

Mrs Birling uses imperatives as she commands the Inspector and other characters which conveys her superiority, confidence and self-assurance.

Question 5

Euphemisms

Answer 5

Puts on a pretence of respectability by her use of euphemisms: e.g. ‘a girl of that Class’ who has found herself in a ‘particular condition’

Question 6

Imagery

Answer 6

Use of imagery: Sheila warns her mother not to try and build up a kind of ‘wall’ – the wall being a symbol of a barrier/pretence