Mrs. Birling is revealed as a character who values tradition, social decorum, and rigid gender roles. Her patronising and often judgmental tone toward Sheila reflects her desire to uphold these values. It reinforces the generational divide between her conservative ideals and the younger characters’ evolving attitudes. Mrs. Birling’s adherence to social etiquette also exposes her superficial understanding of morality. She equates appearances with moral integrity, which blinds her to her family’s faults. Priestley uses her character to critique the upper class’s hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness. This suggests that an over-reliance on tradition can lead to moral blindness and denial.
Act 1
1. “Arthur you’re not supposed to say such things.”
- Tone and Social Etiquette: This line, spoken by Mrs. Birling, reveals her commitment to maintaining social decorum. By using the phrase “not supposed to,” she implies there are unspoken societal rules that Arthur should respect. This reprimand reflects Mrs. Birling’s adherence to propriety. It highlights her belief that certain topics or statements are inappropriate for their social standing.
- Underlying Criticism: Mrs. Birling’s subtle rebuke also hints at her own sense of superiority within the family dynamic. The way she corrects Arthur reflects her authority and her desire to control the family’s appearance in front of others.
2. “Sheila! What an expression! Really, the things you girls pick up these days!”
- Exclamation and Tone: The exclamatory address to “Sheila!” reflects Mrs. Birling’s disapproval and shock at her daughter’s expression. Her tone conveys a sense of judgement and superiority. This shows that she holds Sheila to a high standard of propriety that reflects societal expectations of young women.
- Use of the noun “girls”: By saying “you girls,” Mrs. Birling speaks in a generalising manner, implying that the younger generation is less refined and well-mannered. This choice of words also distances herself from her daughter, as though she is part of a morally superior past generation. The phrase subtly reflects her adherence to tradition and her resistance to change.
- Generational Tension: This line reveals a generational divide between Mrs. Birling’s values and the changing attitudes of younger people. Mrs. Birling’s disappointment in her daughter’s language suggests that she is concerned with the preservation of traditional social standards.
3. “Now Sheila don’t tease him. When you’re married you’ll realise that men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business.”
- Traditional Gender Roles: This line reinforces traditional expectations for women to be understanding and passive in relationships, especially in marriage. By stating that men with “important work” may need to prioritise business over family, Mrs. Birling implies that Sheila should accept a secondary role, submissive to her future husband’s career.
- Irony and Foreshadowing: Mrs. Birling’s comment is ironic, as later in the play, Gerald’s absence due to his “important work” proves to be an excuse for his affair. This foreshadows the unfaithfulness and secrets that Gerald harbours. It suggests that Mrs. Birling’s traditional views may blind her to the realities of her family’s imperfections.
- Misogynistic Excuse for Male Behaviour: The phrase “important work” can also act as a convenient justification for neglect or even misconduct. Gerald’s “important work,” as we later find out, involved his affair with Eva Smith, yet Mrs. Birling’s acceptance of men prioritising work above relationships implicitly allows men like Gerald to use their “work” as a cover for unethical actions without accountability. This shows how misogyny often enables a double standard. It allows men to be excused for behaviour that would be unacceptable for women.
- Socialisation of Young Women: By telling Sheila that she will “realise” this when she’s married, Mrs. Birling is effectively socialising her daughter into accepting a subordinate role, perpetuating the cycle of misogynistic expectations. Mrs. Birling’s comment reinforces the idea that it is natural for women to sacrifice their own needs and interests to support their husbands. This mindset conditions young women to accept unequal treatment as part of marriage.
4. “Now Arthur, I don’t think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this.”
- Social Etiquette and Expectations: Mrs. Birling’s tone here reflects her belief in maintaining social decorum, particularly during family celebrations. The word “ought” implies her view of what is appropriate, showing her concern for manners and appearance. Mrs. Birling believes that business talk is inappropriate at a family gathering, reflecting her adherence to societal conventions.
- Critique of Mr. Birling: This gentle reprimand suggests a degree of disapproval of Arthur’s conduct, as she subtly asserts her view of what is proper. Mrs. Birling’s attempt to rein in Mr. Birling’s behaviour also reflects her awareness of social appearances, as she prioritises maintaining an image of refinement and restraint.
- Gender Dynamics: This line subtly illustrates the power dynamics in their marriage, as Mrs. Birling exercises influence over Mr. Birling by dictating appropriate conversation topics. Though she appears passive, her language reveals her ability to exert control within the family.
Leave a comment. We would love to hear your thoughts!