Mrs Sybil Birling

Question 1

1. “Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things.”

Answer 1

What: Sybil scolds Birling for complimenting the cook
• How: Modal verb “supposed” = obsession with etiquette
    Dismissive tone = class superiority
    Corrective language = reinforces social rules
• Why:
  - Priestley critiques rigid social expectations of upper-class women
  - Shows Sybil’s concern for image over kindness

Question 2

2. “Now, Sheila, don’t tease him. When you’re married you’ll realise…”

Answer 2

What: Gives Sheila advice on marriage roles
• How: Patronising tone = gender expectation
    Conditional clause “when you’re married…” = future conformity
    Directive “don’t tease” = silencing female voice
• Why:
  - Priestley critiques traditional gender roles
  - Highlights generational divide in female identity

Question 3

3. “Girls of that class—”

Answer 3

• What: Shows disgust when she hears of Eva Smith
• How: Classist phrase = immediate judgement
    Pause after dash = emphasis + disgust
    Dehumanising noun “girls” = generalisation
• Why:
  - Priestley exposes prejudice of upper-class morality
  - Audience sees her lack of empathy

Question 4

4. “You know of course that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago.”

Answer 4

What: Uses her status to intimidate the Inspector
• How: Title “Lord Mayor” = name-dropping authority
    Adverb “of course” = arrogance + entitlement
    Formal tone = superiority
• Why:
  - Priestley mocks the upper class’s obsession with rank
  - Criticises power being used to avoid justice

Question 5

5. “Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of.”

Answer 5

What: Refuses responsibility for her actions
• How: Contrast “unlike the other three” = shifts blame
    Adjective “ashamed” = denial of guilt
    Declarative = moral stubbornness
• Why:
  - Priestley shows how the upper class deflects guilt
  - Urges audience to reject this kind of self-justification

Question 6

6. “I used my influence to have it refused.”

Answer 6

What: Admits blocking Eva’s request for help
• How: Noun “influence” = abuse of power
    Passive tone = no remorse
    Short clause = blunt injustice
• Why:
  - Priestley condemns selfish misuse of privilege
  - Audience feels anger at upper-class indifference

Question 7

7. “I was the only one who didn’t give in to him.”

Answer 7

What: Boasts about resisting the Inspector
• How: First person “I” = pride in resistance
    Verb “give in” = views morality as weakness
    Tone = triumphant, arrogant
• Why:
  - Priestley presents her as morally static
  - Highlights generational failure to learn

Question 8

8. “Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility.”

Answer 8

What: Shifts blame onto an unknown father (dramatic irony: it’s Eric)
• How: Imperative “Go” = dismissive tone
    Repetition of “responsibility” = irony
    Short, cold tone = lack of care
• Why:
  - Priestley uses dramatic irony to expose hypocrisy
  - Audience sees danger of snap judgement

Question 9

9. “Well, why shouldn’t we?”

Answer 9

What: Dismisses the Inspector’s lesson when they think it was a hoax
• How: Rhetorical question = defensive tone
    Modal “shouldn’t” = entitlement
    Dismissive tone = refusal to change
• Why:
  - Priestley warns audience against ignoring moral lessons
  - Reinforces theme of cyclical time + lack of progress