Mrs Sybil Birling Flashcards
Priestley uses Mrs Birling in order to reinforce stereotypical E_______ patriarchal values and the narrow s__-i___ of the upper/ruling class: she dismisses Sheila’s initial concerns about Gerald’s behaviour (“M w i w t d s h t s n a t t a e o t b. Y’ll h t g u t t.”).
She also r____ to show any pity for Eva when she was in the most dire need, and expresses no remorse whatsoever for her role in Eva’s tragic suicide (doesnt accept responsibility)
Edwardian, self-interested, “Men woth important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business. You’ll have to get used to that”, refuses
- criticism of patriarchy - sybil goves in to this, doesnt have her own voice but also does?
“B q a l y f t o w w s d n” (A1)
“Be quiet and let your father think of what we should do next”
- patriarchy
- dismisses Sheila and her women voice
- silencing sheila (women voice)
“S c h M B … a n, t w o o t t t p m a h c.” (A2)
“She called herself Mrs Birling … and naturally, that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case” (A2)
- criticism of ruling classes in capitalist society and their lack of empathy for lower classes
- lack of rose tinted glasses when it comes to lower classes
- “naturally”?
“I t s o h h t b”
“I think she only had herself to blame”
- lack of empathy for death of lower class
“I’m s s h c t s a h e. B I a n b f i a a”
‘I’m sorry she should have come to such a horrible end. But I accept no blame for it at all. ‘
- lack of empathy
- lack of responsibility
“I d n I’m a o o t w’t b i.” (A2)
“I did nothing i’m ashamed of or that won’t bear investigation.
- no responsibility
- criticidm of upper class
“G o t c -“
“Girls of that class -“
- condescending manner “girls”
- reducing women of lower classes
“E, i’m a a o y”
“Eric, i’m absolutely ashamed of you”
- ashamed of him, but she played a big part too?
- lack of responsibility
“I’ve d n w a y k i” (A2)
“I’ve done nothing wrong and you know it.” (A2)
- doesnt accept responsiblity
