The Character of Mrs Birling

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  • Sybil Birling
    • Prejudiced
      • She is very prejudiced against working-class women such as Eva Smith, which is suggested by "As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!"
      • As well as being prejudiced about lower classes, Mrs Birling thinks that upper class are perfect which is hinted to the audience when she is shocked by Alderman Meggarty's actions and says "(staggered) Well, really! Alderman Meggarty! I must say, we are learning something tonight"
    • Self-centred
      • When Mrs Birling finds out about Eric's role in Eva's life, she  says "(agitated) I don't believe it. I won't believe it" which shows how naive and ignorant she is as she is too self-obsessed to think that her own son would do what he did
      • After the Inspector leaves, Mrs Birling is very proud that she "was the only one that didn't give in to him"
    • High Status
      • She is the "social superior" of her husband, which is why she tells off and controls her husband e.g. she says "Arthur, you're not supposed to say such things" when he uses middle-class language
      • Mrs Birling is presented as being cold and cruel towards Eva as she did not like Eva Smith's case and so her high social status meant that she "used my influence to have it refused"
      • Priestley presents her as being similar to her husband as she tries to intimidate the Inspector with her high status when she says "You know of course that my husband was lord mayor only two years ago and that he's still a magistrate"
    • Wants to be in control
      • After the Inspector leaves, she does not feel guilty but regrets not having "asked him a few questions" which implies that she wants to be the one in charge
      • Mrs Birling still treats her children as young children and wants to be in control of them which is shown by her constantly telling her children off e.g. she says "Be quiet, Sheila!"
    • Cruel
      • Mrs Birling is presented as being cold and cruel towards Eva as she did not like Eva Smith's case and so her high social status meant that she "used my influence to have it refused"
      • Mrs Birling speaks to the Inspector with a very rude and severe tone, which is suggested by "haughtily", "very sharply" and "bitterly" in the stage directions

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