(Theme) Characterisation of women

Question 1

Mrs Birling-

Female submission

Answer 1

Although Mrs Birling is of a higher class than Mr Birling, she is submissive to him (lets him control her) because she is female.
She scolds him gently. But ultimately, he has the power in the family because he is male.

Question 2

Mrs Birling-

Social roles

Answer 2

Mrs Birling’s main roles in society (and in the play) are to dress well, to make her husband look good, and sit on the board of a charity.
She does this so she can look giving and charitable – again, this makes both her and her husband look good.

Question 3

Sheila-

Sheila’s engagement

Answer 3

At the start of the play, Sheila only feels properly engaged to Gerald when he gives her the ring.
Her role is to be decorative for him, bear his children, and make him look good.

Question 4

Sheila-

Forgiving Gerald

Answer 4

At the end of the story, Sheila is encouraged to marry Gerald even though he’s had an affair.
People don’t think his transgression (offensive act) is that serious – people don’t think that Eva is an important factor.
Mr Birling seems to think that Gerald should be forgiven because he is a man who was having fun.

Question 5

Sheila’s Roles

Answer 5

For Gerald, Sheila is expected to:
Bear children
Be decorative
Make him look good

Question 6

Mrs Birling’s Roles

Answer 6

Mrs Birling’s main roles in society are to:
Make her husband look good
Dress well
Sit on the board of a charity
-She does this so she can look giving and charitable – again, this makes both her and her husband look good.