Responsibility/Mrs Birling

Question 1

“A piece of gross impertinence”

Answer 1

Mrs Birling’s reference to Eva’s honest tale of woe with the ​adjective​ “​impertinence​” reveals how she believes she is absolved of all responsibility as Eva’s claim to be “​Mrs Birling​” was disrespectful.

Question 2

“She had only herself to blame”

Answer 2

Mrs Birling takes the view that “​suicide​” is a concious choice and therefore Eva can only blame herself for taking her own life.

Question 3

“I did nothing I’m ashamed of”

Answer 3

Priestley demonstrates the true extent of Mrs Birling’s “​cold​” nature as despite Eva’s death, Mrs Birling does not regret her denial of aid to Eva.

Question 4

“I did my duty”

Answer 4

Priestley’s use of the ​noun​ ​“duty”​ is used to expose Mrs Birling’s perception of ​duty​ as limited to a ​capitalist social duty​ of keeping the rich people rich and the poor people poor. In doing so, she ​neglects her moral duty​ to provide assistance to those most in need.

Question 5

“First I blame the girl herself. Secondly, I blame the young man”

Answer 5

Priestley portrays Mrs Birling as unable to accept any responsibility as she deflects blame onto Eric inadvertently. Yet, her hypocrisy​ is further revealed when she realises, and states “​I didn’t know”​ , implying that she would not have placed the blame on her son for the same action.

Question 6

“He’d be entirely responsible. […] Compelled to confess in public his responsibility”

Answer 6

Mrs Birling’s ​double standards​ are laid bare by Priestley when she discovers who the father is; the public confession of Eric would tarnish​ the reputation of the Birling family name. Mrs Birling is not consistent with her morals when it is her reputation at stake.