SYBIL [MRS B]

• MRS B'S BELIEFS:

  1. Her views are always correct. -> links to class and morality.
  2. That the upper class are more moral which is actually incorrect.
  3. doesn't change attitudes & has 0 empathy or remorse for her role in Eva's death
• MRS BIRLINGS CHARACTER IMPORTANTCE?


  1. Represents upper middle class attitudes of the time:

  - arrogance, selfishness, snobbiest, sanctimony

  2. Part of the older generation & hates change -> happy to live in status quo

  3. exploits her power & influence -> audience dislikes her
• roles:


  • last character to make connection that Eric is the father of Eva's child - highlights her ignorance.
  • audience encourages to be critical of MRS B - a mother herself - expected to sympathise with Eva.
  • Priestley uses MRS B to represent the cold & callous selfishness of the indulged upper classes.
  • Audience recognises how she is blinded to the faults of her social equals. YET, hypocritically passes judgements and makes assertions about the lower classes.
• KEY SUMMARY OF CHARACTER:


  • Described as a "cold woman" & her husband's "social superior"
  • narrow-minded + judgemental about lower classes.
  • has no concept on how others live - no insight on people suffering around her.
  • Head of a charitable committee because it was the 'proper' thing to do.
  • treats Eric and Sheila like children.
  • Never admits to responsibility 4 Eva's death
• NOMENCLATURE OF 'SYBIL'


  1.. SYBIL BIRLING is named after 3 Sybils from Greek myth who were famous for their gift of prophecy and ability to see into the future, therefore, consistently shows to be ironic as she is now fully blind to the suffering of lower classes and the fat inequality between women and men.