Mrs Birling- Key Quotations

Question 1

“Please don’t contradict me like that. And in any case I don’t suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class”

Answer 1

This quotation shows Mrs Birlings denial of her involvement in the case. It also shows her views on the lower class, seeing them as beneath her and as animals. She thinks that the families involvement was nothing to do with her death

Question 2

“If you think you can bring any pressure to bear upon me, inspector, you’re quite mistaken. Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of or that won’t bear investigation

Answer 2

The quote shows how ‘confident’ (more arrogant) Mrs Birling is. She refuses responsibility, believing she knows best

Question 3

At the beginning:
Arrogant
Protective
Social status centred
Upper class

Answer 3

At the end:
Unchanged
No remorse
Relieved

Question 4

“Eric! You stole money?!”

Answer 4

This shows how important the family’s reputation is to Mrs Birling. If word got out about her son being a thief then it would ruin her reputation and lose her her social standing

Question 5

“I’m sorry she should have come to such a horrible end. But I’ll accept no blame for it”

Answer 5

This quote demonstrates Mrs Birlings indifference to the death of Eva. The only thing she can comment on is the way she died, but sees nothing that makes it her fault