Sibyl Birling

Question 1

You seem to have made a great impression on this child, inspector

Answer 1

Sybil (Mrs birling) Act 2

Question 2

Girls of that class – Act 2

Answer 2

Sybil Birling, Capitalism, Accountability

“Girl” acknowledges their innocence and vulnerability, but showcases her willingness to exploit the vulnerable in society to rationalise it further capitalist advancement

Demonstrative adjective of “that” dismisses them as Individual’s, but rather homogeneous (all the same) that behave in the same way

Doesn’t even specify Daisy’s class, considers her so far beneath her, makes Daisy seem inferior

Question 3

I’m very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame.

Answer 3

Mrs Birling (Sybil), act 2, responsibility, selfishness

Question 4

I’ll tell you what I told her. Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility.

Answer 4

Sybil Birling, Act 2, Stubborn, responsibility, capitalistic view

Question 5

She was claiming elaborate fine feelings, and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl with her position

Answer 5

Sybil Birling, Act 2, prejudice, hierarchy, social responsibility

Question 6

As if a girl that sort would ever refuse money!

Answer 6

Mrs Birling (Sybil), Act 2, prejudge, closed-minded, class, misogynistic

Question 7

I’m sorry she should have come to such a horrible end. But I accept no blame for it at all.

Answer 7

Sybil Birling, act 2, unsympathetic, stubbornness

Question 8

He should be made an example of. If the girls death is due to anybody, then it’s due to him.

Answer 8

Mrs Birling (Sybil), Act 2, egocentric, defence her own social image

Question 9

Find this young man and then make sure that he’s compelled to confess in public his responsibility – instead of staying here asking quite unnecessary questions – then you really would be doing your duty.

Answer 9

Mrs Birling (Sybil), Act 2

Question 10

I don’t believe it.I won’t believe it…

Answer 10

Sybil Birling, closed-minded

Question 11

He certainly didn’t make me confess- Act 3

Answer 11

Sybil Birling, Act 3

The verb “confess” she says so easily. Connotations of crime, her denial shows it is almost effortless for her to deny responsibility because of her class.

Imperative verb “make” a way of keeping afloat in the power struggle between her and the inspector, acts boastful. (Upper class)

(The inspector has power through morality rather then money)

She is trying to safeguard her position, truth threatens this

Question 12

I was the only one of you who didn’t give into him

Answer 12

Sybil Birling, Act 3