Mrs Birling

• [a rather cold woman and her husband's social superior]


  • structurally significant as it immediately establishes the hierarchy within the family
  • "cold" - emotionally empty, outwardly cruel and ignorant.
  • Perhaps Mrs B can be seen as oppressed herself, limited by her gender.
• "a girl in her position"

  • Sense of detachment emphasises difference between the UC & WC - Eva isn't even worthy of being addressed by her name
  • Eva is insignificant in her eyes - reminds us of the gap in status and social superiority that Mrs B feels entitled to
  • "girl" - derogatory tone - not even a woman, a child - Eva is the same status in society as a child in Mrs B's eyes.
• "That - I consider - is a trifle impertinent, Inspector"


  • Mrs B is offended, she sees the Inspector as socially inferior and that he shouldn't dare to contradict her.
  • Mrs B attempts to mask the unsubstantiated nature of her arguments with complex and elaborate use of language.
  • Mrs B attempts to convey a demand of respect through complex vocabulary.