Sybil Flashcards
(4 cards)
“Arthur your not meant to say that”
- Focus on Appearances
The phrase “not meant to say” implies concern not with morality, but with social etiquette or public image.
It doesn’t matter whether what Arthur said is right or wrong — only that it’s socially inappropriate.
Priestley uses this line to satirise the upper class’s obsession with keeping up appearances, rather than addressing real issues.
- Gender Dynamics
Interestingly, Mrs Birling, a woman, is correcting her husband — this reversal shows that while she is a woman in a patriarchal society, she still wields power through class and social convention.
Priestley presents her as someone who upholds the very system that oppresses others, particularly lower-class women like Eva Smith.
- Contrast with the Inspector
The Inspector challenges characters to speak truthfully and morally.
Mrs Birling’s line stands in direct contrast: she’s more worried about saying the “wrong thing” socially than doing the wrong thing morally.
Priestley uses this to show how the older generation resists change, prioritising image over progress.
symbolism
Sybil Birling represents the damage that can be caused by power and status in an unfair capitalist society:
She abuses her social position: she prizes social status above all else, and believes in strict class segregation, even chastising her husband when he praises the cook
She is hypocritical: she associates poverty with immorality and blames the father of Eva Smith’s unborn child for Eva’s circumstances, but rejects this idea when the Inspector reveals that Eric Birling was the father
She symbolises the older generation: her refusal to change her ways and take responsibility for her actions contrasts with the receptiveness of Sheila and Eric, who represent the younger generation’s potential to change for the better
“Eric i can’t believe it. There must be some mistake”
- Denial and Shock
The short, fragmented sentences reflect emotional shock and refusal to accept reality.
Mrs Birling’s reaction is not concern for Eva or the unborn child, but disbelief that her own son could be involved.
- Family Breakdown
Her disbelief shows she doesn’t truly know or understand her own son.
This supports Priestley’s portrayal of a dysfunctional, emotionally distant family, held together by appearances.
The contrast with Sheila, who quickly accepts the truth, emphasises the generational divide Priestley wants the audience to reflect on.
- Collapse of Control
Mrs Birling has tried to control the narrative throughout the play — acting morally superior and socially confident.
This moment is where that control collapses. Her disbelief shows her loss of authority and credibility.
Priestley uses this to show that truth breaks through false respectability, no matter how tightly it’s guarded.
“go look for the father. it’s his responsibility”
- Dramatic Irony
At this point, the audience — and the Inspector — know that Eric is the father, but Mrs Birling does not.
Her demand to “go and look for the father” creates a strong sense of dramatic irony, as she is unknowingly condemning her own son.
This heightens tension and also makes her look foolish and hypocritical
- Collapse of Authority
When it is revealed that Eric is the father, everything Mrs Birling just said turns against her.
Her authority and credibility are undermined, showing how people who judge others can quickly be exposed.
This links to Priestley’s message that no one is above accountability, regardless of class or status.
