Character

• Class Prejudice

  Mrs. Birling embodies the attitudes of the upper class towards the working class, characterized by a sense of superiority and a refusal to acknowledge the systemic issues that lead to inequality. Her comments about Eva’s "disgraceful" behavior and her dismissal of Eva’s death as being the girl’s fault exemplify her rigid class prejudices.
• Lack of Empathy

  Throughout the play, Mrs. Birling refuses to take responsibility for her role in Eva Smith’s suffering. Her failure to show any empathy for Eva’s situation is a critical part of her character, illustrating how the upper class’s indifference to the struggles of the lower classes leads to harm.
• Moral Superiority

  Mrs. Birling’s belief in her own moral superiority and her sense of entitlement are evident in her refusal to accept blame. She holds herself above others, even when it is clear that her actions have contributed to someone’s death.
• Denial of Social Responsibility

  Mrs. Birling’s denial of any social responsibility is a central theme in the play. She represents the resistance to social change, rejecting the idea that the privileged should feel a moral obligation to care for others.