Mrs.Birling

• What are the three key quotations for Mrs. Birling?

  1. "Girls of that class."
  2. "Sheila, you must understand."
  3. "You might be wanting to help him instead of us."
• How is Sybil Burling described in the opening stage directions?

  As a rather cold woman and her husband's social superior
• What does the description of Mrs. Burling as "cold" imply about her character?

  It suggests she is not loving and lacks affection for others
• What literary device is used when describing Mrs. Burling as a "cold woman" and how does it affect the audience's perception?

  It creates a juxtaposition with the idea of a loving woman, foreshadowing her strained relationships
• How does Mrs. Burling's coldness affect her relationships with her children?

  It foreshadows a strained relationship throughout the play
• What does Mrs. Burling do to her husband later in the play?

  She blames him for the death of Eva Smith
• What does the phrase "she only did her duty" reveal about Mrs. Burling's attitude towards her actions?

  It shows her lack of responsibility and empathy for Eva Smith
• What social class does Mrs. Burling belong to?

  She belongs to the upper class
• How does Mrs. Burling's background influence her perspective on the working class?

  It leads her to hold prejudiced views and see them as inferior
• In what way does Mrs. Burling act as a metaphor for the upper class in 1912 Britain?

  Her attitudes reflect the prejudices and arrogance of the upper class
• What does Mrs. Burling's comment about "girls of that class" reveal about her character?

  It shows her prejudiced attitude towards the working class
• How does Mrs. Burling's use of the term "girl" instead of "woman" affect the audience's understanding of her views on Eva Smith?

  It implies she sees Eva as immature and lacking sophistication
• What theme is central to Mrs. Burling's character?

  The theme of responsibility
• How does Mrs. Burling shift the blame regarding Eva Smith's death?

  She blames Eva and refuses to take responsibility herself
• What does Mrs. Burling's apology suggest about her character?

  It indicates her awareness of her heartlessness but does not change her attitude
• How does Mrs. Burling's statement about Eva only having herself to blame contrast with Priestly's message?

  It opposes the idea of social responsibility and victimization
• What does Mrs. Burling's view on the lower classes reveal about her character?

  She believes they are immoral and lack principles
• How does Mrs. Burling's prejudice affect the lower classes according to the text?

  It shows that they have no escape from poverty due to the prejudices of those in power
• What is the significance of Mrs. Burling blaming the father of Eva's child?

  It highlights her inability to recognize her own son's involvement
• How does Mrs. Burling's hypocrisy manifest in her attitudes towards her son Eric?

  She fails to recognize her son's faults while blaming others
• How does Sheila's character contrast with Mrs. Burling's character?

  Sheila accepts responsibility while Mrs. Burling shifts blame
• What are the key differences in attitudes towards responsibility between the older and younger generations in the play?

  • Older generation (e.g., Mrs. Burling):
  • Blames others
  • Lacks empathy
  • Protects reputation over justice
  • Younger generation (e.g., Sheila):
  • Accepts responsibility
  • Shows remorse
  • Aims for change
• What does the phrase "as if" in Mrs. Burling's statement about money imply?

  It suggests her disbelief that someone from the lower class could refuse money
• How does Priestly use Mrs. Burling's character to critique upper-class attitudes?

  He exposes their prejudices and arrogance through her actions and statements
• What is the significance of the audience's reaction to Mrs. Burling's character throughout the play?

  It turns the audience against her due to her victim-blaming and lack of empathy
• What does Mrs. Burling's character ultimately represent in the context of the play?

  She represents the prejudiced and arrogant upper class of 1912 Britain