Sybil Birling

Question 1

Mrs Birling is…

Answer 1

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”

Question 2

She is proud of her social status

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Mrs Birling doesn’t change

Answer 3

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.