How is Mrs Birling presented in An Inspector Calls Act 1?
The audience’s first impression of Mrs Birling is as a powerful but unsympathetic character. Priestly presents her as ‘a cold woman’ as an unlikeable character through her speech, views and interactions with other characters. Mrs Birling’s power allows her to act in a patronising manner to everyone around her.
What is Mrs Birling like in Act 1?
Mrs Sybil Birling is Arthur Birling’s wife and right from the opening of the play she is cold-hearted and snobbish despite being a prominent member of local women’s charity.
How is Mrs Birling described at the beginning of Act 1?
Throughout the play, Mrs Birling is presented by Priestley as a character with few redeeming personality traits. She is firstly described as ‘a rather cold woman’ in the opening text. Priestley continued to develop her into a snobbish, intractable character.
What does Mrs Birling say about the inspector?
Quotes by Mrs Birling: “That – I consider – is a trifle impertinent Inspector.” “I realise that you have to conduct some sort of inquiry, but I must say that so far you seem to be conducting it in a rather peculiar and offensive manner.” “Naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case.”
What words describe Mrs Birling?
Birling. Arrogant, Conceited (excessively proud, in terms of status), Pompous (self important – in how she values her surname) , Haughty (arrogantly superior), Imprudent (not caring about the consequences of an action), Overbearing. Sybil can be sympathised with.
How would you describe Mrs Birling?
Sybil Birling is an unsympathetic woman. Priestley describes her as a “about fifty, a rather cold woman,” and her husband’s “social superior.” She is described as a rather cold woman and is her husbands social superior.
Why is Mrs Birling unlikeable?
Priestley presents Mrs Birling as an unlikeable character quite often. Mrs Birling can be quite an unlikeable character in this situation because she refuses to help a poor woman and says that her drunk husband should now decide what to do next and that is his duty to take care of his family.
How is Mrs Birling a hypocrite?
Priestley Portrays Mrs Birling as morally hypocritical. She claims “with dignity” that “we’ve done a great deal of useful work for deserving cases”. Mrs Birling acknowledges her own prejudiceagainst Eva’s “impertinence” in claiming to be “Mrs Birling” as “one of the things that prejudiced me against her”.
How is Mrs Birling heartless?
Priestly presents Mrs Birling as a cold and heartless Character. As her character they play goes on she never takes responsibility for what she done and tries to pass the blame to everyone else.
Why is Mrs Birling important?
Priestley uses Mrs Birling as a symbol to represent the wealthier, privileged classes and their selfish attitudes. She sees the working class as morally inferior. Priestley wanted his audience to despise Mrs Birling and the ignorant social snobbery she represents.
What are the quotes in the first act of Mr Birling?
Run along’ These are the main quotes for the first act. For even more Act 1 quotes, use the CGP Inspector Calls text guide. Pg 33: Patronising ‘ (to Mrs Birling) What’s the matter with that child?’ Pg 41: ‘ (angrily, to Inspector) Look here, I’m not going to have this, Inspector.
Why does Mrs Birling change at the end of an Inspector Calls?
The girl was penniless and pregnant – but Mrs Birling thought she was lying, as no girl ‘of that sort’ would refuse money. She does not change at the end of the play – perhaps this is why ‘An Inspector Calls’ again, to try and make her change. In fact, she was pleased to hear that the Inspector did not exist.
What did Mrs Birling say about her husband?
“She was giving herself ridiculous airs” 9 ACT 2. Trying to make her husband sound important. “my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he’s still a magistrate” 10 ACT 2. She doesn’t want to be challenged.
What did Edna Birling say in Act 1?
1. All right, Edna. I’ll ring from the drawing room when we want coffee. Probably in about half an hour. (Act 1) (reproachfully) Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things- (Act 1) What an expression, Sheila! Really the things you girls pick up these days!