Podcast
Questions and Answers
What attitude does Mrs. Birling display towards her social responsibility?
What attitude does Mrs. Birling display towards her social responsibility?
- She accepts full responsibility for her actions.
- She shows indifference to the suffering of the lower class. (correct)
- She actively supports initiatives to help the working class.
- She believes in social equality and justice.
Mrs. Birling feels empathy towards Eva Smith.
Mrs. Birling feels empathy towards Eva Smith.
False (B)
How does Mrs. Birling view the emotions and values of the lower class?
How does Mrs. Birling view the emotions and values of the lower class?
She believes they are incapable of strong emotions and moral values.
Mrs. Birling states, 'I accept no blame for it at all,' highlighting her belief in her __________.
Mrs. Birling states, 'I accept no blame for it at all,' highlighting her belief in her __________.
Match Mrs. Birling's views with their descriptions:
Match Mrs. Birling's views with their descriptions:
What is Mrs. Birling's initial reaction upon learning about Eric's involvement in Eva Smith's pregnancy?
What is Mrs. Birling's initial reaction upon learning about Eric's involvement in Eva Smith's pregnancy?
Mrs. Birling evolves into a more understanding person by the end of the play.
Mrs. Birling evolves into a more understanding person by the end of the play.
What phrase reflects Mrs. Birling's attitude towards the working class?
What phrase reflects Mrs. Birling's attitude towards the working class?
Priestley uses Mrs. Birling as a symbol of the moral __________ of the upper class.
Priestley uses Mrs. Birling as a symbol of the moral __________ of the upper class.
What does Priestley encourage the audience to consider through Mrs. Birling's character?
What does Priestley encourage the audience to consider through Mrs. Birling's character?
Flashcards
Mrs. Birling
Mrs. Birling
A character representing the upper class' arrogance and hypocrisy.
Social class critique
Social class critique
Priestley's exploration of class dynamics through characters.
Refusal to accept blame
Refusal to accept blame
Mrs. Birling's denial of her role in Eva Smith's downfall.
Moral corruption
Moral corruption
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Prejudice against working class
Prejudice against working class
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Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy
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Generational contrast
Generational contrast
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Lack of integrity
Lack of integrity
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Emotional dismissal
Emotional dismissal
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Resistance to social responsibility
Resistance to social responsibility
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Study Notes
Mrs. Birling and Social Class in An Inspector Calls
- Mrs. Birling represents the arrogance and hypocrisy of the upper class in Edwardian society.
- She embodies the privileged class's refusal to accept responsibility for their actions.
- Mrs. Birling is presented as cold and unempathetic towards Eva Smith, refusing to acknowledge her own role in her downfall.
- She dismisses Eva's pleas for help, believing that lower-class people lack strong emotions and moral values.
- Mrs. Birling exhibits prejudice against the working class, highlighting her superior attitude.
- Her hypocrisy is exposed when she condemns others for their actions, while not acknowledging her own son's involvement in Eva's situation.
- This reveals the upper class's unwillingness to accept fault unless it directly affects them.
- Her unwillingness to change contrasts with the younger generation's willingness to admit mistakes and embrace responsibility.
- Priestley uses Mrs. Birling to highlight the social disconnect between the upper and lower classes, and to advocate for social responsibility.
- By depicting her as unrepentant, Priestley encourages the audience to reject her attitudes and embrace social change.
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