Mrs Birling 🤱

• How does Priestley use the character of Mrs. Birling in "An Inspector Calls"?

  To criticize the inequalities of the class system in Edwardian society
• What is one way Priestley criticizes the class system through Mrs. Birling?

  By depicting her as bossy and controlling
• What does Mrs. Birling's character reveal about her relationship with her husband?

  She is his social superior
• What are some examples of Mrs. Birling controlling other characters in Act One?

  • "Arthur, you're not supposed to say such things."
  • "Now Sheila, don't tease him."
  • "I think Sheila and I had better go into the drawing room."
  • "Don't keep Gerald in here too long."
• What does Mrs. Birling's obsession with appearances suggest about her character?

  She is concerned about giving a bad impression
• How does Priestley set up the conflict between Mrs. Birling and Inspector Goole?

  By establishing her as a controlling character who is used to having her own way
• How does Mrs. Birling react to Inspector Goole's comments?

  She finds them impertinent and offensive
• What does Mrs. Birling's discomfort with Inspector Goole signify about her social status?

  It highlights the complacency of the wealthy middle and upper classes towards the law
• What do Mr. and Mrs. Birling expect from their connections in the police?

  They expect to receive preferential treatment
• What term describes the use of connections to avoid prosecution?

  Corruption
• How does Mrs. Birling respond to the idea of confessing her connection to Eva Smith?

  She is the most resistant among the characters
• How does Priestley portray the behavior of middle and upper-class women through Mrs. Birling?

  As petty and self-centered
• What effect does Priestley achieve by having Mrs. Birling lie for two pages?

  It builds tension and frustration in the audience
• What societal issue does Priestley highlight through the character of Eva Smith?

  The lack of support for women in 1912
• What were the conditions for women like Eva Smith in 1912?

  • No NHS
  • No benefit system
  • No access to contraception
  • Reliance on charities for support
• How does Mrs. Birling's opinion of the working class affect her involvement in charity work?

  Her low opinion suggests ulterior motives for her involvement
• What does Mrs. Birling's reference to bells indicate about her privilege?

  It highlights her outdated views and practices
• What did Priestley claim about domestic servants in 1927?

  That their practice was as obsolete as the horse
• How does the presence of Edna, the maid, contribute to the play's themes?

  It emphasizes the outdated thinking of the Birlings
• What themes does Priestley explore through the Birling family's privilege?

  • The morality of Edwardian society
  • The exploitation of the less fortunate
  • The complacency of the upper class
  • The disconnect between social classes
• What does Priestley encourage the audience to reflect on regarding privilege?

  He questions the morality of taking advantage of less privileged individuals
• Where can the information discussed in this video series be found?

  In the second updated edition of Mr. Barofsky - An Inspector Calls
• What should viewers do if they found the video useful?

  Give it a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel