Mrs Birling

• used to criticise the inequality between classes in the Edwardian society - Priestly depicts the class system negatively - Mrs Birling is bossy and controlling, she is her husbands social superior - much of the initial dialogue is her controlling others
• her controlling - gives audience and Gerald a bad impression

  • 'Arthur, you are not supposed to say such things'
  • 'now Sheila don't tease him'
  • 'Now stop it you two'
  • 'Arthur what about this famous toast of yours'
  • 'I don't think you ought to talk business on an ocasion like this'
  • I think Sheila and I better go into the drawing room and leave you men to it'
  • 'Don't keep Gerald in here for too long'
  • Eric - I want you a minute'
• sets he up as controlling - also sets up the inevitable conflict between Mrs Birling and Goole


  A2 - complains Inspector comments are 'a trifle impertinent'

  A3 - describes questioning as 'peculiar and offensive'

  she is used to her own way and can't understand why she can't order the police inspector around (corrupt society)
• inspectors refusal to obey discomforts her - Priestly uses this to show how the upper and middle class are controlling the law


  Mr and Mrs Birling both name police officers they know to try and get out of trouble with Goole - they expect the Inspector to give them an easier time - corruption - they see themselves as above the law
• used as a dramatic device - develops tension - P1


  she is the most resistant to confess her connection with Eva - Mr Birling and Sheila tell as soon as they know they know her -- Gerald attempts to lie but then confesses - Mrs Birlings says -'No, why should I?' then proceeds to lie for two pages before admitting- even after, she defends herself and dodges questions until the end of A2
• Used as a dramatic device - develops tension - P2


  audience is waiting for confession which builds tension and frustration - this embodies everything Priestly dislikes about the upper/middle women in Edwardian society -- after the war, they only cared about themselves
• 1912 - no NHS, no benefits, no contraception - women were reliant on charities , which were unreliable. Priestly shows this with Mrs Birling being head of the 'Brumley's women's charity' - makes us think why is she on the charity system at all (good reputation, power) - Mrs Birlings view on the working class = liars, accept stolen money (thieves) and are to blame for the own situation
• tells Edna she will 'ring' from the drawing room - privileged- can summon a maid - but had fallen out of common uses to summon maid by 1945 - highlights the old ways the Birlings treat their servants - working class woman made to work in difficult conditions for little money - outbreak of war, technology increase of opportunities to work in other industries -1945=domestic staff=diminished