'An Inspector Calls': Mrs Birling Character Analysis (animated)

Summary

JB Priestley's character Mrs Birling in 'An Inspector Calls' embodies the Edwardian class system's flaws, depicted as controlling and self-absorbed. Her initial dominance clashes with Inspector Goole's moral authority, highlighting the middle and upper classes' complacency with the law. Priestley uses her to build tension, critique the era's social attitudes, and question the morality of a society where privilege blinds those in power to the struggles of the less fortunate.

Takeaways

• 🎭 JB Priestley's character, Mrs Birling, serves as a critical representation of the class system and its inequalities in Edwardian society.
• 👑 Mrs Birling is depicted as a bossy and controlling figure, often reprimanding and directing others, highlighting her social superiority.
• 💬 The opening stage directions and dialogue emphasize her controlling nature, setting the stage for conflict with Inspector Goole.
• 🚨 Priestley uses Mrs Birling's discomfort with Inspector Goole's refusal to obey her as an example of the complacency of the wealthy towards the law.
• 🤝 Mr and Mrs Birling's expectation of preferential treatment from the police due to their connections reflects a corrupt system.
• 🔍 Mrs Birling's resistance to confess her connection to Eva Smith adds tension to the play and showcases her reluctance to take responsibility.
• 👩‍🦱 Priestley's portrayal of Mrs Birling as self-centered and petty contrasts with the struggles of women like Eva Smith, who had limited support from the government.
• 🏛 The charity committee's susceptibility to Mrs Birling's prejudice illustrates the flaws in a system that relies on the generosity of the privileged.
• 🏡 The presence of domestic staff, like Edna, and the use of bells to summon them, show the Birling family's adherence to outdated practices and attitudes.
• 🔑 Mrs Birling's involvement in charity work is suggested to be more about maintaining a certain image and wielding power rather than genuine altruism.
• 🤔 Priestley questions the morality of Edwardian society by examining the attitudes and actions of a privileged family towards the less fortunate.

Q & A

How does JB Priestley use Mrs. Birling's character to criticize the class system in Edwardian society?

JB Priestley criticizes the class system by depicting Mrs. Birling as a controlling and bossy character, emphasizing her social superiority and her attempts to exert authority over others, which reflects the inequalities prevalent in Edwardian society.

What is the significance of Mrs. Birling's initial dialogue in establishing her character?

The initial dialogue showcases Mrs. Birling's controlling nature through her reprimanding and directing of others, setting the stage for the conflict with Inspector Goole and highlighting her privileged status within the family and society.

How does Priestley use Mrs. Birling's interactions with Inspector Goole to illustrate the complacency of the wealthy classes towards the law?

Priestley demonstrates the complacency of the wealthy classes by showing Mrs. Birling's discomfort and inability to command Inspector Goole, as well as her and Mr. Birling's expectation that their connections should grant them leniency, which suggests corruption and a belief in being above the law.

What is the dramatic function of Mrs. Birling's resistance to confess her connection to Eva Smith?

Mrs. Birling's resistance to confess her connection to Eva Smith serves to build tension and frustration in the audience, as they anticipate her eventual confession, thereby emphasizing the moral conflict at the heart of the play.

How does Priestley use Mrs. Birling to represent the self-centered behavior of the middle- and upper-class women of Edwardian society?

Priestley uses Mrs. Birling's character to embody the self-centered and petty behavior he criticizes in his radio show, illustrating how some individuals, living comfortable lives, can be indifferent to the struggles of the less fortunate.

What was the situation for women like Eva Smith in 1912, and how did it affect their reliance on charity?

In 1912, there was no NHS, no benefit system, and no access to contraception, making women like Eva Smith heavily reliant on charities for support during difficult times, highlighting the lack of government support and the vulnerability of the working class.

How does the charity committee's decision-making process reflect the influence of Mrs. Birling's prejudice?

The charity committee's sway by Mrs. Birling's prejudice demonstrates the fallibility of the charity system, showing how easily it could be manipulated by the opinions and biases of the privileged class.

What can be inferred about Mrs. Birling's motives for being involved in the charity committee?

It can be inferred that Mrs. Birling's involvement in the charity committee is more about the prestige and power associated with the role, rather than a genuine desire to help others, especially given her low opinion of the working class.

How does the reference to bells and the presence of Edna highlight Mrs. Birling's privilege and the outdated nature of the Birlings' household?

The use of bells to summon Edna and the presence of domestic staff emphasize the Birlings' outdated and privileged lifestyle, contrasting with the changing social norms and the decline of domestic service by 1945.

What does Priestley suggest about the morality of Edwardian society through his portrayal of the Birlings?

Priestley questions the morality of Edwardian society by depicting the Birlings' attitudes towards those less fortunate, suggesting a pervasive sense of entitlement and lack of empathy among the privileged classes.

How does the play explore the theme of privilege and its impact on the characters' actions and attitudes?

The play delves into the theme of privilege by showing how characters who are apparently unaware of their privilege exploit others, reflecting the broader societal issues of inequality and the moral implications of such disparities.