Sibyl Birling

Question 1

Conventional view

Answer 1

• symbolises uncaring nature of capitalism, ‘but I accept no blame for it at all’
• doesn’t sympathise with those of a lower class, ‘girl of that class’

Question 2

Symbol of class prejudice

Answer 2

• she is born into it - attacks upper classes who have been around for centuries
• could be suggesting she is the one who is most responsible, she may have saved Eva with financial help

Question 3

Name

Answer 3

• Sibyl is named after the Sibyls from Greek myth, who were famous for their gift of prophecy
• ironic as she is blind to the truth
• unaware of Eric’s alcohol addiction, unaware of Alderman Meggarty’s sexual attacks and that Eric is the father of Eva’s child
• could behave differently - deliberately blind to remain static in worldview
• ‘I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it’ - wilful prejudice
• exhibits blindness by expecting Sheila to turn a blind eye to Gerald’s infidelity, ‘just as I had’
• made to accept behaviour of men they are married to - patriarchy taught her to be blind
• Priestley is attacking what society taught her

Question 4

Who is most to blame?

Answer 4

• often character most blamed - opposite of what Priestley intended
• Gerald and Eric made her feel dehumanised/like a criminal and put her in this state of despair
• response of the audience - women are to blame, when the system which leads us to immoral behaviour is the patriarchy implemented by men

Question 5

Push for the welfare state

Answer 5

• 1945 - birth of the Welfare State
• welfare comes from charities led by rich, therefore where the money goes is prejudiced
• Sibyl is kept till last because she represents the last resort, safety net that society should provide for the poor
• Priestley wants to change that welfare is left to charities - doesn’t guarantee welfare
• doesn’t show Mrs Birling as corrupt, only suspicious and prejudiced
• lies about her name and story - appears fraudulent - ‘I didn’t see any reason to believe that one story was truer than another’
• have to say no to some people - opposite of the welfare state
• no matter if moral or prejudiced - there is a need for a welfare state
• not the job of the welfare state to make moral judgements
• condemns Sibyl because refuses to feel guilt even if it has led to the death of her grandchild