Mrs Birling Quotes

Question 1

Mrs Birling automatically introduced as socially superior, showing how theme of class is central to her character

Answer 1

‘[her husband’s social superior]’

‘Arthur you’re not supposed to say such things’

Question 2

Mrs Birling using class to try to intimidate Inspector

Answer 2

‘You know of course that my husband was lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate.’

Question 3

Mrs Birling lying to protect her reputation

Answer 3

‘Though naturally I don’t know anything about this girl’

Question 4

Mrs Birling criticising Sheila as she isn’t being like a young woman should be and doesn’t want her involved

Answer 4

‘Nothing but morbid curiosity’ (about Sheila)

Question 5

Mrs Birling sees upper class as perfect so is shocked to hear about the obvious corruption

Answer 5

‘[staggered] Well, really! Alderman Meggarty! I must say, we are learning something tonight’

Question 6

Mrs Birling admitting she was prejudiced against Eva, only because of her name

Answer 6

‘Yes, I think it was simply a piece of gross impertinence - quite deliberate - and naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case.’

Question 7

Mrs Birling feeling no sympathy for Eva as she is lower class and she feels superior

Answer 7

‘But I think she had only herself to blame’

Question 8

Mrs Birling feels no guilt and plainly states that she doesn’t feel she is responsible

Answer 8

‘Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of or that won’t bear investigation.’

Question 9

Mrs Birling showing further class prejudice

Answer 9

‘As if a girl of that sort would refuse money.’

Question 10

Mrs Birling accusing Sheila of being immature despite being the most responsible

Answer 10

‘[severely] You’re behaving like an hysterical child tonight.’

Question 11

Mrs Birling being naïve and ignorant when she discovers that Eric is the father of the child

Answer 11

‘I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it’

Question 12

Mrs Birling being angry instead of sympathetic to Eric when she finds out what he’s done to Eva, as she feels it would damage her reputation

Answer 12

‘[with a cry] Oh, Eric, how could you?’

Question 13

Mrs Birling trying to be superior again when finding out Inspector might be fake

Answer 13

‘[Triumphantly] Didn’t I tell you?’

Question 14

Mrs Birling being proud for being ignorant and cold towards Eva’s case

Answer 14

‘I was the only one who didn’t give in to him’