Sybil Birling Flashcards
What is Mrs Birling a symbol of?
The traditional Edwardian values
What does she believe in?
Social hierarchy
What themes are discussed through the character of Mrs Birling?
Responsibility, class, gender, and the older generation
What is Mrs Birling to Mr Birling?
His ‘social superior’
What action shows Mr Birlings snobbish personality?
When she tells Mr Birling off for complimenting the cook
What’s important to Mrs Birling?
The ‘proper’ way to behave
What quotes shows her class prejudice?
“Agirl of that class”
What does Mrs Birling believe of the lower class?
They have lower standards and that they won’t refuse stolen money
What quote proves her prejudice towards Eva Smith?
a girl “of that sort”
Why would she blame the father for her suicide?
Because of her standards as so she refuses to take any blame for herself
What does the repeated word, ‘justified’ convey?
That she’s excusing herself and not taking any blame
What does Sybil support as a member of the upper-middle class?
Societal rules about gender and class, as well as the authority of men
What’s her beliefs over men?
She excuses male behaviour and believes that men are allowed greater freedom
What quote shows her view of men?
“Men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business”
What quote reinforces the gender divide?
“I think Sheila and i had better go into the drawing room and leave you men”
