Mrs Birling

• What does Priestly encourage us to dislike in Sybil Burling?

  Her snobbery and willful ignorance
• Why does Sybil Burling view the inspector as beneath her?

  Due to his social standing
• What does Sybil Burling refuse to acknowledge about Eric?

  That he is an alcoholic
• How does Sybil Burling respond to Eric's alcoholism?

  She dismisses it and ignores it
• What does the act of passing the decanter of port suggest about Sybil Burling?

  She is aware of Eric's dependence on alcohol
• What does Sybil Burling claim to be ignorant of regarding Alderman Megarty?

  His womanizing and sexual molestation
• How does Priestly portray Sybil Burling's attitude towards her daughter Sheila?

  She tries to pass on her ignorance
• What does Priestly suggest about marriage in Sybil Burling's society?

  It is based on convenience, not love
• Why does Priestly reveal Sybil Burling's sins at this point in the play?

  To set up Eric's final revelation
• What does the lack of a welfare state imply for Eva Smith's situation?

  She has nowhere else to turn for help
• How does Sybil Burling's character contrast with the future welfare state?

  She represents the prejudiced rich deciding welfare
• What does Priestly criticize about the wealthy in relation to the poor?

  They deny basic human rights to the poor
• How does Sybil Burling describe Eva Smith's feelings?

  As ridiculous and absurd
• What literary device does Priestly use with the sibilance in Sybil's speech?

  It creates a sinister sound
• What does Sybil Burling's elaborate language reveal about her character?

  Her attempt to disguise her evil nature
• How does Sybil Burling's labeling of Eva as "a girl" reflect her class prejudice?

  It suggests Eva is less than a woman
• What irony is present in Sybil Burling's view of the poor?

  She believes they are always after money
• How does Priestly use dramatic irony in Sybil's statement about regret?

  She unknowingly incriminates herself
• What does Sybil Burling's refusal to accept blame indicate about her character?

  She is unwilling to acknowledge her faults
• How does Sybil Burling's view of Eric reflect her class beliefs?

  She blames him for being from a lower class
• What societal structure does Priestly advocate for?

  A meritocracy where class does not matter
• How does Priestly present Mrs. Burling in relation to her daughter Sheila?

  As the opposite of Sheila's understanding
• What metaphor does Sheila use to describe her mother's blindness?

  She refers to her as hysterical
• What does Priestly suggest about the younger generation's role in society?

  They will change the world for the better
• What does Mrs. Burling symbolize in the context of societal change?

  What needs to be changed in society
• How does Priestley use Mrs. Birling's character in "An Inspector Calls"?

  To criticize class inequalities in Edwardian society
• What negative traits are attributed to Mrs. Birling?

  She is depicted as bossy and controlling
• What is Mrs. Birling's relationship to her husband?

  She is his social superior
• What does Mrs. Birling often do in her dialogue?

  She controls and reprimands others
• What does Mrs. Birling suggest when she says, "I think Sheila and I had better go into the drawing room"?

  She wants to separate men from women
• How does Priestley establish Mrs. Birling's character at the start of the play?

  As bossy and controlling to create conflict
• What is Mrs. Birling's reaction to Inspector Goole's comments?

  She finds them impertinent and offensive
• What does Mrs. Birling expect from Inspector Goole?

  To obey her and respect her authority
• How does Priestley use Mrs. Birling's discomfort with the inspector?

  To illustrate upper-class complacency towards the law
• What do Mr. and Mrs. Birling expect from their connections in the police?

  To receive preferential treatment from Inspector Goole
• What term describes using connections to avoid prosecution?

  Corruption
• How do Mr. and Mrs. Birling view themselves in relation to the law?

  They see themselves as above the law
• What does Mrs. Birling's resistance to confessing her connection to Eva Smith signify?

  Her denial reflects her upper-class privilege
• How does Mrs. Birling respond to Inspector Goole's questioning?

  She lies and dodges questions
• What effect does Mrs. Birling's dialogue have on the audience?

  It builds tension and frustration