Class

• The stage directions describe Mrs Birling as a " COLD WOMAN '' + '' HER HUSBAND'S SOCIAL SUPERIOR ''



  > "Cold woman" seen as a juxtaposition as women of the Jacobean Period seen as pious and pure -> shows how cold-hearted she is
• > Tries to stop Birling of complimenting the chef for the food

  > Reflects the power discourse between the classes of the time

  > Shows Mrs Birling as more dominant in the relationship and refines the family to upper-class ideals

  > Challenges gender roles of 1912

  " Arthur you're not supposed to say such things " Act 1

• > Build a social wall between upper and lower class -> belittles her

  > Based on prejudice on women of the lower-class

  > Judgemental tone

  As if a girl of that class would ever refuse money." Act 2
• > Focused more on Gerald's affair with a lower-class woman than cheating on Sheila

  > Exaggerated use of "disgusting" but seen as that during 1912

  "this disgusting affair" Act 2