Mrs Birling Flashcards
(15 cards)
How is Mrs. Birling described in stage directions?
‘cold woman’
This highlights her emotional detachment.
What does it mean that Mrs. Birling is described as ‘Husband’s social superior’?
It indicates her status and arrogance within the social hierarchy.
What phrases does Mrs. Birling use to refer to the working class?
‘Girls of that class’ and ‘Girls of that sort’
These phrases reflect her prejudice.
What does Mrs. Birling say about Eva Smith’s situation?
‘She only had herself to blame’
This shows her lack of empathy.
What does Mrs. Birling claim about her actions?
‘I did nothing I’m ashamed of’
This indicates her refusal to accept responsibility.
What does Mrs. Birling assert about her role?
‘I did my duty’
This reflects her self-righteousness.
Who does Mrs. Birling blame for the situation?
‘I blame the young man’
This shows her refusal to acknowledge her own family’s involvement.
What does Mrs. Birling say to Sheila regarding her behavior?
‘You’re behaving like a hysterical child’
This demonstrates her condescending attitude.
What does Mrs. Birling’s character symbolize?
Upper-Class Prejudice and Hypocrisy
She represents the arrogance of the Edwardian upper class.
How does Mrs. Birling react to Eva Smith’s suffering?
With a cold and detached attitude, showing no emotional response.
What is ironic about Mrs. Birling’s lack of responsibility?
She denies help to Eva despite being part of a charitable organization.
What does Mrs. Birling fail to recognize about her own hypocrisy?
She blames ‘the father of the child,’ not realizing it’s her own son.
How does Mrs. Birling resist change?
She refuses to accept responsibility or learn from the Inspector’s message.
What role does Mrs. Birling play in gender and class expectations?
She upholds patriarchal and class systems, reinforcing social inequality.
How does Mrs. Birling interact with her children?
She is overly controlling and condescending, talking down to them.
