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- She shows her ignorance in two ways, first by defending Eric 'of course not' when the Inspector suggests that he is used to drinking. Secondly by stating that Eric is only 'a boy'. He is not a boy but a young man, Sybil refuses to see this. Her shock at this revelation ' (staggered)' is further evidence of this.
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She shows her ignorance in two ways, first by defending Eric 'of course not' when the Inspector suggests that he is used to drinking. Secondly by stating that Eric is only 'a...
Mrs Birling takes the ignorant view that working class women voluntarily choose prostitution rather than being forced into it. The Inspector’s message of collective responsibility is rejected by Mrs Birling, and she denies her role in the chain of events leading to Eva’s suicide: “ I won’t believe it ”.
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- Quotes: Now, Sheila, don't tease him. When you're married you'll realize that men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business.
- Quotes: What an expression, Sheila! Really the things you girls pick up these days!’ Analysis: Again another example of Mrs Birling’s conservatism and she is alarmed by Sheila using the word ‘squiffy’.
- Quotes: Now, Arthur, I don't think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this. Analysis: This is quite an interesting quote. The usually loyal and compliant Mrs Birling dares to express her disagreement with her husband on this point.
- Quotes: please don't contradict me like that. And in any case I don't suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class--
Priestley uses Mrs Birling to represent the rich, upper class, capitalist women. He aims to show her ignorance and her selfish attitude to the lower classes which is clearly shown when she says, “Girls of that class” and “girls of that sort”.
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She does not change at the end of the play – perhaps this is why ‘An Inspector Calls’ again, to try and make her change. In fact, she was pleased to hear that the Inspector did not exist. Sybil Birling is the most resistant to change, and represents her demographic of society with this behaviour.
Here Mrs Birling accuses Sheila of being immature and childish, however, this is sharply contrasted with the second quote, where Mrs Birling is being just that - she takes on a child's tone as she refuses to believe the truth, showing her ignorance and sheltered naivety (when she discovers that Eric is the father of the child).
Jun 25, 2024 · How her quotes reflect her character arc: Her quotes consistently reflect her entrenched beliefs in social hierarchy and individualism. They demonstrate her unwillingness to introspect or evolve, maintaining her position of privilege and authority even in the face of moral scrutiny.
