Mrs Birling

• How is Mrs. Birling initially described in the stage directions?

  A rather cold woman and her husband’s social superior
• What does Mrs. Birling's description reveal about her character?

  It shows her lack of warmth and obsession with class
• How does Mrs. Birling dismiss Eva Smith’s suffering?

  She states they cannot understand why Eva committed suicide
• What does Mrs. Birling's statement about Eva's suicide indicate about her character?

  It shows her lack of empathy
• What does Mrs. Birling say about her role in rejecting Eva’s request for help?

  I did nothing I’m ashamed of
• What does Mrs. Birling's refusal to feel ashamed indicate?

  It shows her refusal to take responsibility
• How does Mrs. Birling try to shift the blame onto the father of Eva’s child?

  She tells others to look for the father
• What is ironic about Mrs. Birling's statement regarding the father of Eva's child?

  It turns out to be Eric, her son
• What does Mrs. Birling say when she realizes Eric is the father?

  (Agitated) I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it
• What does Mrs. Birling's reaction to Eric's paternity reveal?

  It shows her shock and denial
• How does Mrs. Birling distance herself from lower-class women?

  She states a girl of that sort would accept money
• What does Mrs. Birling's prejudice against the working class indicate about her character?

  It shows her elitist attitude
• How does Mrs. Birling try to intimidate the Inspector?

  She asserts he has no power over her
• What does Mrs. Birling's arrogance reveal about her beliefs?

  She believes in her own authority
• What does Mrs. Birling say when she believes the Inspector was a hoax?

  I was the only one who didn't give in to him
• What does Mrs. Birling's statement about the Inspector indicate about her learning?

  It shows she has learned nothing from the experience
• What does Mrs. Birling's dismissive attitude towards the younger generation reveal?

  It shows her resistance to change
• What does Mrs. Birling say about how the younger generation has reacted?

  They're over-tired and will be amused later
• How does Priestley use Mrs. Birling to criticize the upper class?

  • Presented as arrogant and prejudiced
  • Unwilling to accept responsibility
  • Demonstrates how upper class avoids blame