An Inspector Calls Characters - Mrs Birling Flashcards
(7 cards)
Give 1 quote that describes Mrs Birling
(about fifty, a rather cold woman, and her husband’s social superior)
Give 1 quote that shows how she flaunts her social standing
“My husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago, and he’s still a magistrate”
Give 2 quotes that show she refuses to see obvious details
(staggered) - that Eric drinks too much
“Well really! Alderman Meggarty! I must say, we are learning something tonight”
(agitated) “I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it…”
Give 5 quotes that show she values etiquette
(reproachfully) Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things -“
“Really, the things you girls pick up these days”
“Please don’t contradict me like that”
“A trifle impertinent”
“Well it came at just the right moment. That was clever of you, Gerald”
Give 6 quotes that demonstrate her treatment of Eva
“was simply a piece of gross impertinence - quite deliberate - and naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case”
“I didn’t like her manner”
“I used my influence to have it refused”
“As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!”
“She was claiming fine feelings and scruples that were simply absurd for a girl in her position”
“she was giving herself ridiculous airs”
Give 4 quotes to show how she refuses responsibility
“she had only herself to blame”
“I consider I did my duty”
“Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility”
“I accept no blame for it at all”
Give 7 quotes to show how she is unable to change
“Don’t be childish, Sheila”
“I must say his manner was quite extra-ordinary; so - so rude - and assertive”
“He certainly didn’t make me confess - as you call it. I told him quite plainly that I thought I had done no more than my duty”
“The rude way he spoke to Mr Birling and me - it was quite extraordinary”
(triumphantly)”Didn’t I tell you”
“I was the only one of you who didn’t give in to him”
“They’re over tired. In the morning they’ll be just as amused as we are”
