Mrs Birling Flashcards
(6 cards)
“Girls of that class—”
AO1 (Understanding): Mrs. Birling dismissively refers to Eva Smith, indicating her deep-seated class prejudice.
AO2 (Language & Structure): The abrupt dash signifies a sudden halt, perhaps due to self-censorship or the realization of her overt prejudice. The phrase “that class” generalizes and dehumanizes, reducing individuals to a social category.
AO3 (Context): Reflects the rigid class divisions of Edwardian England, where the upper classes often viewed the working class with contempt. Priestley critiques this societal structure, emphasizing the need for empathy and social responsibility.
“I used my influence to have it refused.”
AO1: Mrs. Birling admits to leveraging her social position to deny Eva assistance, showcasing her abuse of power.
AO2: The verb “used” implies manipulation, while “influence” underscores her authoritative position. The passive construction “to have it refused” distances her from the action’s consequences.
AO3: Highlights the corruption within charitable institutions, where aid could be withheld based on personal biases, reflecting societal flaws that Priestley aims to expose
“I think she had only herself to blame.”
AO1: Demonstrates Mrs. Birling’s refusal to accept responsibility, instead blaming Eva for her own misfortunes.
AO2: The phrase “only herself” emphasizes sole responsibility, absolving others. The modal verb “think” suggests opinion, yet she states it as fact, indicating arrogance.
AO3: Embodies the individualistic mindset prevalent among the upper classes, which Priestley critiques by illustrating its detrimental effects on society’s vulnerable members.
“If the girl’s death is due to anybody, then it’s due to him.”
AO1: Mrs. Birling deflects blame onto the unknown father of Eva’s child, unaware it’s her son, Eric.
AO2: The conditional structure “If… then…” attempts to rationalize her stance. The pronoun “him” is vague, allowing her to distance herself from culpability.
AO3: This dramatic irony—where the audience knows more than the character—serves to highlight her hypocrisy and the dangers of ignorance within the upper class.
“As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!”
AO1: Reveals Mrs. Birling’s belief that lower-class individuals lack morals, assuming Eva would accept stolen money.
AO2: The phrase “that sort” is derogatory, lumping individuals into a negative stereotype. The exclamation indicates incredulity, emphasizing her disdain.
AO3: Priestley challenges such prejudices, illustrating how they perpetuate injustice and hinder genuine understanding across social divides.
“You know, of course, that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate?”
AO1: Mrs. Birling attempts to assert authority over the Inspector by highlighting her husband’s prestigious positions.
AO2: The rhetorical question implies expectation of deference. The titles “Lord Mayor” and “magistrate” are leveraged to intimidate.
AO3: Illustrates the misuse of social status to evade scrutiny, a practice Priestley condemns in advocating for a more egalitarian society.
