'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The presence of domestic staff, like Edna, and the use of bells to summon them, show the Birling family's adherence to outdated practices and attitudes.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.

Outlines

00:00

👑 Critique of the Upper Class: Mrs Birling's Character

The first paragraph of the script focuses on JB Priestley's use of Mrs Birling as a symbol of the class system's flaws within Edwardian society. Mrs Birling is depicted as domineering and controlling, often directing others in the family setting. The script highlights her initial interactions, which are filled with reprimands and commands, setting the stage for her character's confrontation with Inspector Goole. Priestley uses her resistance to the inspector's inquiries to illustrate the complacency of the wealthy towards the law, expecting preferential treatment due to their social status. Mrs Birling's reluctance to admit her connection to Eva Smith and her defensive stance throughout the play serve to build tension and highlight the self-centered nature of the upper class, as exemplified by Priestley's critique of post-war women who were more concerned with their own lives than with helping others. The paragraph also touches on the lack of support for women like Eva Smith during that era, emphasizing the reliance on charities and the flawed system swayed by Mrs Birling's prejudices.

05:01

🔍 Questioning Privilege and Morality in Edwardian Society

The second paragraph delves into the broader theme of privilege and morality in Edwardian society, as presented through the Birling family. It discusses how characters who are unaware of their privilege exploit those less fortunate. Priestley challenges the morality of the era by examining the attitudes of a privileged family towards the less privileged. The paragraph also reflects on the outdated practices of the Birlings, such as the use of bells to summon their maid, Edna, and the archaic thinking that characterizes their lifestyle. The reference to the diminishing presence of domestic staff by 1945 and the family's adherence to 'old' ways underscores the contrast between their privileged status and the changing social landscape. The paragraph concludes by questioning the Birlings' morality and their attitudes towards those less fortunate, suggesting a deeper critique of the societal norms of the time.

Keywords

💡Class System

The class system refers to the hierarchical arrangement of social classes in a society. In the script, it is evident through the portrayal of Mrs. Birling and her interactions with others, reflecting the inequalities of Edwardian society. The class system is a central theme as it influences the characters' attitudes and behaviors, especially Mrs. Birling's bossy and controlling nature.

💡Bossy and Controlling

These terms describe a person who is assertively dominant and exercises control over others. In the video script, Mrs. Birling's bossy and controlling behavior is highlighted through her dialogue and actions, such as directing other characters and her obsession with maintaining a good impression, which is a critique of the upper class's complacency and self-centeredness.

💡Complacency

Complacency is a state of being self-satisfied, especially when unaware of danger or deficiencies. The script uses Mrs. Birling's character to illustrate the complacency of the wealthy middle and upper classes, who assume they are above the law and struggle to accept the moral authority of Inspector Goole.

💡Inspector Goole

Inspector Goole is a character in the script who serves as an agent of justice and truth. His presence creates conflict with Mrs. Birling, challenging her complacency and the class system's norms. His refusal to be swayed by the Birlings' social status adds tension and highlights the theme of justice and moral integrity.

💡Eva Smith

Eva Smith is a character whose plight is central to the narrative, representing the struggles of the working class in Edwardian society. Mrs. Birling's resistance to confess her connection to Eva Smith adds to the drama and tension, illustrating the class divide and the reluctance of the privileged to acknowledge their impact on the less fortunate.

💡Self-Centeredness

Self-centeredness is the tendency to focus primarily on one's own interests. The script criticizes the behavior of middle- and upper-class women, like Mrs. Birling, who are depicted as petty and egocentric, living comfortable lives while being indifferent to the struggles of others, such as Eva Smith.

💡Charity Committee

A charity committee is a group organized to administer charitable activities. In the script, Mrs. Birling's involvement in a charity committee is used to critique the fallibility of such systems, which can be influenced by personal prejudices and class biases, rather than genuine concern for the welfare of those in need.

💡Privilege

Privilege refers to special rights, advantages, or immunities granted or available only to a particular person or group. The script explores the concept of privilege through the Birling family's attitudes and actions, questioning the morality of a society where the privileged exploit those less fortunate.

💡Old Ways

Old ways refer to traditional or outdated practices. The script uses the reference to bells and the presence of the maid, Edna, to signify the Birling family's adherence to archaic and privileged lifestyles, highlighting the contrast with more modern and egalitarian values.

💡Moral Integrity

Moral integrity is the quality of having strong moral principles and adhering to them. Inspector Goole embodies moral integrity in the script, insisting on justice and fairness regardless of social status, which challenges the moral ambiguity and corruption within the class system.

💡Justice

Justice is the principle of fairness and the administration of the law. The script uses the character of Inspector Goole to insist on justice for Eva Smith, confronting the Birlings and their class's disregard for the law when it does not serve their interests.

Highlights

JB Priestley uses Mrs Birling to criticize the class system and inequalities in Edwardian society.

Mrs Birling is depicted as bossy and controlling, setting the stage for conflict with Inspector Goole.

Her initial dialogue is filled with reprimanding and directing others, showcasing her controlling nature.

Mrs Birling's obsession with maintaining a good impression is evident in her interactions.

The character of Mrs Birling is used to illustrate the complacency of the wealthy towards the law.

Mrs Birling's resistance to Inspector Goole's questioning highlights the class system's influence on legal expectations.

Priestley uses Mrs Birling as a dramatic device to build tension and create audience anticipation.

Mrs Birling's reluctance to confess her connection to Eva Smith adds to the play's suspense.

Priestley critiques the self-centeredness of the upper class through Mrs Birling's character.

Mrs Birling embodies Priestley's disdain for post-war women focused on their own lives rather than helping others.

The lack of government support for women like Eva Smith is highlighted through Mrs Birling's actions.

Mrs Birling's involvement in charity work is questioned, suggesting ulterior motives rather than genuine help.

The use of domestic staff in the Birling household signifies their outdated and privileged lifestyle.

Mrs Birling's ordering of Edna emphasizes the archaic nature of the Birlings' thinking and lifestyle.

Priestley questions the morality of Edwardian society through the attitudes of a privileged family.

The play explores the theme of privilege and its impact on the less fortunate through the Birling family.

Transcripts

JB Priestley uses the character of Mrs Birling to criticise the inequalities of the class

system evident within Edwardian society.

One of the ways Priestley criticises the class system is through the negative depiction of

Mrs Birling as bossy and controlling. We read in the opening stage directions that Mrs Birling

is ‘her husband’s social superior’, and much of the initial dialogue afforded

to her character is based on controlling and reprimanding the actions of others. On screen

are a few examples taken from just the opening five pages of Act One where we see Mrs Birling

directing or controlling other characters:

‘Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things.’

‘Now, Sheila, don’t tease him.’ ‘Now stop it, you two.’

‘Arthur, what about this famous toast of yours?’

‘I don’t think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this.’

‘I think Sheila and I had better go into the drawing-room and leave you men.’

‘don’t keep Gerald in here too long.’ ‘Eric – I want you a minute.’

Yes, Priestley immediately presents Mrs Birling as a controlling and demanding character.

Much of her time is spent obsessed with actions that might give a bad impression (presumably

to Gerald who is, at this point, the only character on stage from outside the family).

Priestley establishes Mrs Birling as bossy and controlling at the start of the play in

order to set up the inevitable conflict with Inspector Goole when he arrives. In Act Two,

Mrs Birling complains that Inspector Goole’s comments are ‘a trifle impertinent’ and

in Act Three describes his questioning as ‘peculiar and offensive’. She is clearly

used to having her own way and cannot understand why she is unable to order the police inspector

around. Priestley uses Mrs Birling’s discomfort at having a police inspector refuse to obey

her as an example of the wealthy middle and upper classes’ complacency when it comes

to the law. Both Mr and Mrs Birling name drop people they know in the police, expecting

Inspector Goole to give them an easier time. When people use their connections to avoid

prosecution, we call this corruption. Mr and Mrs Birling clearly see themselves as above

the law, and they struggle when faced with someone who is moral and insisting that justice

is served.

Priestley uses Mrs Birling as a dramatic device to develop tension. Of all the characters,

it is Mrs Birling who is the most resistant to confess her connection to Eva Smith. Mr

Birling and Sheila explain their link as soon as they realise they know her; Gerald attempts

to lie to Inspector Goole, but almost immediately thinks better of it and confesses, but Mrs

Birling lies outright for two pages, ‘No. Why should I?’, before finally admitting

she recognises Eva. However, even once Inspector Goole has prised this admission out of her,

Mrs Birling defends herself and dodges questions until the very end of Act Two. The effect

of writing her dialogue in this way is that the audience is waiting for the total confession,

and both tension and frustration are slowly building with every rebuff and refusal to

answer. Mrs Birling seems  to embody here everything 

Priestley disliked about the behaviour of

the middle- and upper-class women of Edwardian society. In his radio show, Priestley spoke

about women who after the war were more concerned about their own lives than helping others.

He described how he received bitter letters ‘from ladies doing nothing in inland resorts,

where their energy is all turned inward instead of outward, turning into hostility instead

of helpfulness and fun’. Mrs Birling shares many characteristics with these women, and

Priestley uses her as an example of how petty and self-centred (or egocentric) some people

can be when they themselves live easy and comfortable lives, whilst others are struggling

to eat.

The situation for women like Eva Smith was made worse by the lack of support from the

government. In 1912, there was no NHS, no benefit system, and no access to contraception.

Therefore, women were reliant upon charities to help them cope when they were struggling.

Priestley uses the charity committee who are swayed by Mrs Birling’s prejudice to demonstrate

how fallible this system was. It is also worth thinking about why someone like Mrs Birling

helped out on a charity committee at all. Mrs Birling makes her opinions of the working

classes clear: that they will lie, they will accept stolen money, and they are to blame

for their own situation. If Mrs Birling has such a low opinion of the people she is meant

to be helping, why is she involved in the charity? We can infer that her ulterior motive

to work on the committee has more to do with how it looks to chair such a committee and

to wield power, rather than be driven by the desire to help other people.

Priestley presents another sign of Mrs Birling’s privilege in the reference to bells and the

presence of Edna. Mrs Birling tells Edna she will ‘ring’ from the drawing room, and

this system of bells for maids had fallen out of common usage by 1945. Priestley famously

claimed in 1927 that the practice of having domestic servants, was ‘as obsolete as the

horse’. The Birling family’s use of domestic staff highlights the ‘old’ ways of doing

things

where working-class women were made to work  in difficult conditions for very little money.  

The increase of opportunities to work in  other industries, and the outbreak of war,  

as well as developments in technology that meant  housework was easier to perform, all meant that,  

by 1945, the presence of domestic staff  had greatly diminished in middle-class  

homes. Priestley’s inclusion of Edna, and  Mrs Birling’s ordering her about emphasise  

how out of date the Birlings are now, and  how archaic their thinking is. The notion  

of being privileged runs through the play:  characters who are apparently unaware of  

their privilege take advantage of others  who are less privileged than themselves.  

Priestley questions the morality of Edwardian  society through his depiction of a privileged  

family and their attitudes towards others  who are less fortunate than themselves.