Sybil Birling Flashcards
Mrs Birling is…
traditional: “When you’re married you’ll realize..
proud: “I was the only one of you who didn’t give into him”
prejudiced: “As if a girl of that sort would ever refused money”
cruel: “I used my influence to have it refused”
She is proud of her social status
1) Sybil has traditional values. She strictly follows the rules of etiquette because a
good reputation for being polite will improve her family’s status. These rules are
more important to her than moral rules - the difference between good and bad.
2) She has a strong set of beliefs about people’s social status, which makes her prejudiced.
3) To preserve her own status, she’s prepared to be cruel, such as when she rejects Eva/Daisy’s appeal.
Mrs Birling doesn’t change
1) Mrs Birling is self-centred. She hasn’t noticed her own son’s alcoholism and dismisses her daughter’s worries that Gerald lost interest last summer.
2) She won’t accept responsibility for her actions, and claims that she did the right thing —
“I accept no blame for it at all”.
3) She doesn’t learn from the Inspector’s message.
She only regrets not having “asked him a few questions” — she wants to be in control.
“A piece of gross impertinence”
The phrase “a piece of gross impertinence” reveals Mrs. Birling’s dismissive and judgmental nature. The noun “piece” dehumanises Eva, treating her desperate plea as something insignificant. The adjective “gross” adds a moral disgust, suggesting that Mrs. Birling sees Eva’s actions as not only improper but deeply offensive. The word “impertinence” shows her belief that lower-class individuals should not challenge the authority of their social superiors. Priestley uses this moment to expose Mrs. Birling’s hypocrisy and criticise the lack of social responsibility among the upper classes.
“I did nothing im ashamed of”
Mrs. Birling’s claim that she “did nothing [she’s] ashamed of” shows her refusal to accept responsibility for Eva Smith’s death. The word “nothing” highlights her complete denial of any wrongdoing, despite her cruel treatment of a desperate, pregnant woman. The use of the word “ashamed” is especially ironic, as it reveals her moral blindness — the audience understands that she should feel shame. Priestley uses Mrs. Birling to criticise the upper classes, showing how people in power often lack empathy and accountability. Through this, he promotes the idea that society must change and individuals must take responsibility for others, regardless of class.
“girls of that class”
Mrs. Birling’s phrase “girls of that class” reveals her deep class prejudice and lack of empathy. The word “girls” is patronising and dismissive, showing how she views working-class women as immature or inferior. The phrase “that class” carries a tone of contempt, creating emotional distance and implying moral judgement. This highlights Mrs. Birling’s belief that social status determines a person’s worth. Priestley uses her language to expose the snobbery of the upper class and criticise the social inequality of Edwardian Britain. By portraying Mrs. Birling as cold and judgemental, Priestley encourages the audience to reject these attitudes and adopt a more socially responsible mindset.
“[With dignity] We’ve done a great deal of useful work helping deserving cases”
This emphasis on the adjective “deserving” reveals Mrs Birling’s joy in playing God in these young women’s lives, deciding whether they receive aid and benefit or are refused and suffer, a reflection of the power of the upper classes.
“Well, firstly, I blame the young man…”
Irony: She unknowingly condemns her own son, Eric, who is the father of Eva’s child. This dramatic irony highlights her ignorance and hypocrisy.
• Responsibility: She tries to shift blame away from herself, showing a lack of accountability.
• Class prejudice: She assumes the “young man” is of lower status and therefore morally corrupt, reinforcing her snobbery and class bias.
• Theme of blame: Priestley uses this moment to show how the upper class avoid responsibility and pass judgment without full knowledge.
