Sybil Birling

Question 1

Sybil Birling is..

Answer 1

Traditional: “When you’re married you’ll realise…”
Proud: “I was the only one of you who didn’t give in to him”
Prejudiced: “As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money”
Cruel: “I used my influence to have it refused”

Question 2

Sybils strict standards:

Answer 2

She is socially superior, follows strict etiquette to enhance family’s status
Social standards make her prejudice towards lower classes
Condem her own son due to lack of responsibility and need to deflect the blame

Question 3

Sybil’s ‘charity’

Answer 3

Claims she supports those with a 'deserving case'
her social standard warp her view of 'deserving' and she separates herself from 'that sort' 
She is outraged that Eva would pretend to have the   'fine feelings' of high social class as she shows her civility to reject Eric's money

Question 4

Mrs Birling’s stubbornness:

Answer 4

So self-centred doesn’t notice her son is an alcoholic
Shows no remorse “I accept no blame for it at all”
Doesn’t have any regrets other than not having ‘Asked him a few more questions”
She wants to be in control

Question 5

Mrs Birling stage directions:

Answer 5

Mrs Birling answers “Haughtily,” “Very sharply” and “Bitterly”
Act III Mrs Birling repeatedly tells everyone she though it was a hoax, and the script claims she is ‘triumphant’
In the closing stages she in “smiling” telling everyone they should be “amused” showing she has put it all behind her already