Act 2
These quotes depict Mrs. Birling as a character embodying classist attitudes, entitlement, and hypocrisy. Priestley uses her language to illustrate her self-righteousness, lack of empathy, and commitment to social hierarchy. Mrs. Birling’s interactions with other characters expose her deep-seated prejudices and inability to accept responsibility, aligning with Priestley’s critique of the upper class’s lack of accountability and moral blindness.
1. “It isn’t true. You know him, Gerald – and you’re a man – you must know it isn’t true.”
- Incredulous Tone: The word “staggered” (stage direction) and the exclamation “It isn’t true” reveal Mrs. Birling’s disbelief and shock at the revelations about her family. Her reaction highlights her naive assumption that her family is perfect and incapable of wrongdoing, showing her denial and idealisation of them.
- Gender Assumptions: By addressing Gerald with “you’re a man,” Mrs. Birling implies that men understand each other and share certain morals or codes of conduct. She assumes that Gerald, as a man, would sympathise with Mr. Birling and not accept accusations against him or their family.
- Blindness to Family Flaws: This line reveals Mrs. Birling’s deep-seated denial about the reality of her family’s flaws. Her shock suggests that she has built her identity on the belief that her family is morally superior and socially respectable, a belief that will be challenged by the Inspector’s revelations.
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the quotes related to Mrs. Birling in An Inspector Calls, focusing on technical language, characterisation, and historical context:
1. “I don’t suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class—”
- Classist Snobbery and Dismissive Tone: The phrase “Girls of that class” reveals Mrs. Birling’s prejudiced view of the lower class. The abrupt end to her sentence suggests disdain, as though she finds discussing Eva Smith beneath her.
- Dehumanisation: By reducing Eva to “that class,” she denies her individuality, reinforcing her perception that people from lower social classes are inferior.
- Context: This line reflects Edwardian class divisions and Mrs. Birling’s assumption of superiority as a member of the upper class, a view Priestley critiques as narrow-minded and morally blind.
2. “That—I consider—is a trifle impertinent, Inspector.”
- Arrogance and Self-Importance: The phrase “a trifle impertinent” demonstrates her disdainful attitude and assumption that she should be spoken to with deference.
- Formal Diction: By using “I consider,” Mrs. Birling emphasises her authority, attempting to place herself above the Inspector.
- Power Dynamics: This line reflects her belief in social hierarchy, expecting the Inspector to respect her status and conform to her sense of superiority.
3. “Please don’t contradict me like that.”
- Imperative Tone: Mrs. Birling’s command reflects her authoritative and controlling nature. She expects obedience and dislikes being challenged, especially by her own family.
- Condescension: Her choice of words reflects a patronising attitude, particularly toward younger or less powerful people.
- Context: This line reinforces her view that as a woman of status, she should not be questioned, a perspective rooted in Edwardian upper-class privilege.
4. “Nothing but morbid curiosity.”
- Accusation and Disregard for Empathy: Mrs. Birling accuses Sheila of being curious for insincere reasons, demonstrating her lack of empathy and understanding.
- Dismissive Language: Her words trivialise Sheila’s genuine interest and involvement in the Inspector’s investigation, highlighting Mrs. Birling’s inability to empathise with others.
- Generational Conflict: This line represents the generational divide; Sheila’s genuine curiosity contrasts with her mother’s cold detachment.
5. “I’m talking to the Inspector now if you don’t mind.”
- Asserting Dominance: Mrs. Birling’s insistence on controlling the conversation reveals her arrogance and need for control.
- Commanding Tone: Her dismissive language suggests she sees herself as the most important voice in the room.
- Gender and Authority: This line illustrates her belief in her own authority as a matriarch, unwilling to tolerate what she perceives as disrespect.
6. “You know of course that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate.”
- Intimidation and Appeal to Authority: By reminding the Inspector of Mr. Birling’s status, Mrs. Birling attempts to assert power and intimidate him into backing down.
- Social Status: Her reference to her husband’s role highlights her belief that social status should grant her immunity from scrutiny, a viewpoint common among the privileged upper class.
- Context: Mrs. Birling’s use of her husband’s title reflects the Edwardian value placed on social hierarchy and influence.
7. “Though naturally I don’t know anything about this girl.”
- Lying and Evasion: Mrs. Birling’s attempt to distance herself from Eva Smith highlights her willingness to lie to protect her reputation.
- Defensiveness: The word “naturally” suggests that it would be beneath her to be involved with someone from a lower class, reinforcing her snobbery.
- Context: Her desire to avoid association with Eva reflects societal norms that kept the upper and lower classes separate and distinct.
8. “Over-excited…And she refuses to go.”
- Patronising and Dismissive Tone: Mrs. Birling’s description of Sheila as “over-excited” infantilises her, suggesting that she views Sheila as too emotional and incapable of handling the situation.
- Undermining Female Voices: This line reflects Mrs. Birling’s belief that younger women, even her own daughter, should be dismissed if they act contrary to her expectations.
9. “It would be much better if Sheila didn’t listen to this story at all.”
- Protective Censorship: Mrs. Birling’s desire to shield Sheila from unpleasant truths highlights her belief that women should remain innocent and sheltered from harsh realities.
- Patronising Attitude: Her insistence on protecting Sheila from the truth reflects her condescending belief that young women are too fragile for the real world.
- Gender Expectations: This line reflects the Edwardian ideal of young women as delicate and morally pure, in need of protection.
10. “(staggered) Well, really! Alderman Meggarty! I must say, we are learning something tonight.”
- Shock and Naivety: Mrs. Birling’s surprise at learning of Alderman Meggarty’s behaviour highlights her naivety and blind trust in the upper class.
- Dramatic Irony: Her shock is ironic, as it reflects her ignorance of the moral flaws within her own social class.
- Context: Her response illustrates the idealised view she holds of the upper class, refusing to believe that individuals of her status could behave immorally.
11. “I don’t think we want any further details of this disgusting affair.”
- Euphemism and Moral Superiority: Referring to Gerald’s relationship with Eva as a “disgusting affair” allows Mrs. Birling to moralise and distance herself from the immorality she perceives in others.
- Dismissive Language: Her refusal to hear details shows her inability to confront uncomfortable truths, preferring to avoid rather than address them.
- Social Etiquette: Mrs. Birling prioritises appearance and propriety over acknowledging the reality of immoral behaviour.
12. “(with dignity) Yes. We’ve done a great deal of useful work in helping deserving cases.”
- Facade of Respectability: Mrs. Birling’s reference to “deserving cases” illustrates her selective approach to charity, helping only those she deems worthy.
- Irony: Her statement is ironic, as her charity refused Eva, a truly deserving case, due to prejudice. This irony highlights her superficial morality and lack of true compassion.
- Class Prejudice: This line reflects her view that only certain types of people deserve assistance, reinforcing her classist attitudes.
13. “You have no power to make me change my mind.”
- Defiance and Arrogance: Mrs. Birling’s assertive stance reflects her sense of superiority and belief in her untouchable social position.
- Tone of Finality: Her refusal to be swayed by the Inspector underscores her confidence in her status, viewing herself as immune to accountability.
- Class Privilege: This statement illustrates her belief in the inherent privilege and protection afforded by her social class.
14. “Yes, I think it was simply a piece of gross impertinence.”
- Repetition of “impertinence”: The repeated use of “impertinence” throughout the play reveals her obsession with maintaining social boundaries and reinforces her class-based prejudice.
- Disdainful Tone: By dismissing Eva’s behaviour as impertinent, Mrs. Birling reinforces her belief that lower-class individuals should “know their place” and not challenge the upper class.
15. “As if a girl of that sort would refuse money.”
- Classist Assumptions: The phrase “a girl of that sort” reveals Mrs. Birling’s condescending and stereotypical view of the working class, assuming they are desperate and without principles.
- Irony: Mrs. Birling’s assumption is ironic, as Eva’s refusal of money from Eric highlights her dignity and moral integrity, contrasting with Mrs. Birling’s prejudice.
16. “I’m sorry she should have come to such a horrible end. But I accept no blame for it at all.”
- Hypocrisy and Lack of Remorse: Mrs. Birling’s superficial expression of sympathy is undercut by her refusal to take responsibility, showing her moral blindness and self-justification.
- Disregard for Social Responsibility: Her refusal to accept blame illustrates her individualism and denial of collective responsibility, in stark contrast to the Inspector’s message.
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