Mrs Birling

• Mrs Birling is a construct resemblant of the older generation and the ignorance that they hold due to their already formed ideologies

  As they are a part of the older generation Priestley makes it so that they are resistant to change
• 'Girls of that class'


  Prejudiced towards those who she should help

  Priestley shows how the socio-economic disparity is only made bigger by the upper classes not wanting to help the lower classes

  Sees herself as socially and morally superior to Eva due to her class
• 'Oh, Eric, how could you?'


  Rhetorical question

  Instead of comforting her son she is more angered than sympathetic

  Deflects blame as it could damage her reputation proving her initial description of a 'cold woman'
• 'Go look for the father of the child. It's his responsibility'


  Dramatic Irony as Eric is the father

  Dismissive towards her part of social responsibility
• 'It's disgusting to me'


  Masquerade to make her look good
• 'I'm very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame'


  Shows lack of responsibility

  Tries to deflect blame onto Eva Smith even though she is the victim showing her to be 'cold-hearted'
• 'Unlike the other three, I did nothing I'm ashamed of'


  Doesn't take responsibility for her actions at all

  Shows no sign of remorse

  Reflects the deep-rooted capitalist ideologies
• 'I blame the young man who was the father of the child'


  Dramatic Irony

  Shows her selfishness as she again demonstrates her lack of ability to take blame