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Mrs Birling is portrayed as a cold, dismissive upper-class woman who embodies social hypocrisy and lacks empathy for those of lower social status. She is characterized by her rigid adherence to class distinctions and her inability to connect with her own children.
9/26/2022
1706
Mrs Birling is a complex character in J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls," representing the entrenched upper-class attitudes of early 20th century British society. This analysis explores her key traits and their significance in the play.
Highlight: Mrs Birling is described as "a rather cold woman and her husband's social superior," setting the tone for her character throughout the play.
Mrs Birling's character is deeply rooted in her upper-class status, which shapes her worldview and interactions with others.
Quote: "I don't suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class—"
This statement reveals Mrs Birling's dismissive attitude towards those of lower social standing. Her use of "we" doesn't refer to society as a whole, but rather to the upper class, highlighting the social divide she perpetuates.
Despite being a mother, Mrs Birling is portrayed as emotionally distant from her children.
Example: When confronted with her son's drinking habits, Mrs Birling is described as "(staggered)," indicating her shock and lack of awareness about her own child's behavior.
This reaction demonstrates the disconnect in their parental relationship and Mrs Birling's tendency to infantilize her son, refusing to see him as a grown man capable of adult behaviors.
Mrs Birling's character embodies the hypocrisy of the upper class in the play.
Definition: Oxymoron - A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
The description of Mrs Birling as a "cold woman" is an oxymoron, as women of that era were typically viewed as caring and maternal. This contradiction underscores the hypocrisy in her character and the upper-class values she represents.
Mrs Birling's actions and attitudes play a crucial role in the development of the play's plot and themes.
Vocabulary: Alienate - To make someone feel isolated or estranged.
Her dismissive attitude towards Eva Smith and other working-class individuals serves to alienate and further marginalize them, contributing to the play's exploration of social responsibility and class divide.
In conclusion, Mrs Birling's character analysis in "An Inspector Calls" reveals her as a symbol of upper-class hypocrisy and social insensitivity. Her interactions and attitudes serve to highlight the play's central themes of social responsibility and the consequences of privileged indifference.
10
485
10/11
Bayonet charge- Ted Hughes notes
key notes, themes, quotes and summary of the poem
29
757
11
An Inspector Calls Timeline.
Timeline, Act 1-Act 3, key events.
123
4245
10/11
Religion and science in Jekyll and Hyde
key information and revision notes on religion and science in Jekyll and Hyde.
68
2522
10/11
Curley Quotes & Analysis
Of Mice and Men Curley quotes with analysis
63
1777
11
Christmas carol poverty essay
This is based upon the question "How does Dickens present poverty?" The main factors making this a higher level answer is alternative meanings to one quote, zooming into multiple words and writing about context. Comment any improvements:)
344
100
Frankenstein Plot Diagrams
Plot diagrams for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. One showing the frame story, one showing the main story, and one showing the Creature's narrative. Also a paragraph explaining the effects of the sotry being told in a non-linear way
Average App Rating
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In Education App Charts in 12 Countries
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Sarah
@sarah_simpson
·
333 Followers
Follow
Mrs Birling is portrayed as a cold, dismissive upper-class woman who embodies social hypocrisy and lacks empathy for those of lower social status. She is characterized by her rigid adherence to class distinctions and her inability to connect with her own children.
Mrs Birling is a complex character in J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls," representing the entrenched upper-class attitudes of early 20th century British society. This analysis explores her key traits and their significance in the play.
Highlight: Mrs Birling is described as "a rather cold woman and her husband's social superior," setting the tone for her character throughout the play.
Mrs Birling's character is deeply rooted in her upper-class status, which shapes her worldview and interactions with others.
Quote: "I don't suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class—"
This statement reveals Mrs Birling's dismissive attitude towards those of lower social standing. Her use of "we" doesn't refer to society as a whole, but rather to the upper class, highlighting the social divide she perpetuates.
Despite being a mother, Mrs Birling is portrayed as emotionally distant from her children.
Example: When confronted with her son's drinking habits, Mrs Birling is described as "(staggered)," indicating her shock and lack of awareness about her own child's behavior.
This reaction demonstrates the disconnect in their parental relationship and Mrs Birling's tendency to infantilize her son, refusing to see him as a grown man capable of adult behaviors.
Mrs Birling's character embodies the hypocrisy of the upper class in the play.
Definition: Oxymoron - A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
The description of Mrs Birling as a "cold woman" is an oxymoron, as women of that era were typically viewed as caring and maternal. This contradiction underscores the hypocrisy in her character and the upper-class values she represents.
Mrs Birling's actions and attitudes play a crucial role in the development of the play's plot and themes.
Vocabulary: Alienate - To make someone feel isolated or estranged.
Her dismissive attitude towards Eva Smith and other working-class individuals serves to alienate and further marginalize them, contributing to the play's exploration of social responsibility and class divide.
In conclusion, Mrs Birling's character analysis in "An Inspector Calls" reveals her as a symbol of upper-class hypocrisy and social insensitivity. Her interactions and attitudes serve to highlight the play's central themes of social responsibility and the consequences of privileged indifference.
English Literature - Bayonet charge- Ted Hughes notes
key notes, themes, quotes and summary of the poem
10
485
2
English Literature - An Inspector Calls Timeline.
Timeline, Act 1-Act 3, key events.
29
757
0
English Lang. - Religion and science in Jekyll and Hyde
key information and revision notes on religion and science in Jekyll and Hyde.
123
4245
2
English Literature - Curley Quotes & Analysis
Of Mice and Men Curley quotes with analysis
68
2522
2
English Literature - Christmas carol poverty essay
This is based upon the question "How does Dickens present poverty?" The main factors making this a higher level answer is alternative meanings to one quote, zooming into multiple words and writing about context. Comment any improvements:)
63
1777
1
AP English Literature - Frankenstein Plot Diagrams
Plot diagrams for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. One showing the frame story, one showing the main story, and one showing the Creature's narrative. Also a paragraph explaining the effects of the sotry being told in a non-linear way
344
100
0
Average App Rating
Students use Knowunity
In Education App Charts in 12 Countries
Students uploaded study notes
iOS User
Stefan S, iOS User
SuSSan, iOS User
