In 'An Inspector Calls', J.B. Priestley uses Mrs Birling to...
English Literature795 views·Updated Jun 2, 2026·4 pagesHow Does Priestley Make Mrs Birling Seem Unlikeable by the End of Act 2 in An Inspector Calls?
maria@maria_reji
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Mrs Birling's Class Obsession
Mrs Birling's constant references to "girls of that class" immediately reveal her obsession with social status. She doesn't see Eva Smith as an individual person but simply as a representative of the lower classes who deserve no respect.
Her language choice is telling - when Gerald politely refers to "women of the town" (prostitutes), she questions his respectful tone. This shows how she deliberately dehumanises working-class people, viewing them as objects rather than human beings with rights and dignity.
Callout: Priestley lived through both world wars and saw how class divisions damaged society - he channels this criticism directly through Mrs Birling's character.
This attitude reflects Priestley's critique of capitalism and upper-class privilege. In today's world, where we're working to break down class barriers, Mrs Birling's views seem particularly disgusting and outdated.
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The Hypocritical Mother
Mrs Birling's treatment of her own family reveals her double standards perfectly. She dominates her husband and speaks her mind freely, yet expects her daughter Sheila to be a submissive wife who never questions Gerald's absences.
Her patronising attitude towards Sheila is especially jarring - calling her engaged daughter "this child" shows how she uses power to control even her own family. This behaviour makes her seem foolish and hypocritical.
Callout: Notice how Mrs Birling is only described as "Mr Birling's wife" in the stage directions - Priestley cleverly shows how women were defined by their husbands, yet Mrs Birling perpetuates this system.
The irony is striking: Mrs Birling could have used her privilege to challenge women's oppression, but instead she reinforces it. This makes her particularly unlikeable to modern audiences who expect better from those with power.
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A Distant and Controlling Parent
Mrs Birling's complete ignorance about her children's problems - Sheila's low self-esteem and Eric's alcoholism - shows how detached she really is. Even Gerald, who's new to the family, knows Eric better than his own mother does.
Her obsession with maintaining a perfect family image has destroyed genuine relationships with her children. They hide things from her because they can't risk disappointing her impossible standards.
The fact that Sheila went to her father about the Milward's incident (rather than her mother) speaks volumes. In that era, mothers and daughters typically had closer relationships, but Mrs Birling's controlling nature has pushed her children away.
Callout: Priestley's own mother died when he was young - some critics believe Mrs Birling represents his anger towards mothers who choose to distance themselves from their children.
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English Literature795 views·Updated Jun 2, 2026·4 pagesHow Does Priestley Make Mrs Birling Seem Unlikeable by the End of Act 2 in An Inspector Calls?
maria@maria_reji
In 'An Inspector Calls', J.B. Priestley uses Mrs Birling to expose the worst aspects of upper-class society in early 20th century Britain. Through her snobbish attitudes, family relationships, and hypocritical behaviour, she becomes one of the most dislikeable characters in...
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Mrs Birling's Class Obsession
Mrs Birling's constant references to "girls of that class" immediately reveal her obsession with social status. She doesn't see Eva Smith as an individual person but simply as a representative of the lower classes who deserve no respect.
Her language choice is telling - when Gerald politely refers to "women of the town" (prostitutes), she questions his respectful tone. This shows how she deliberately dehumanises working-class people, viewing them as objects rather than human beings with rights and dignity.
Callout: Priestley lived through both world wars and saw how class divisions damaged society - he channels this criticism directly through Mrs Birling's character.
This attitude reflects Priestley's critique of capitalism and upper-class privilege. In today's world, where we're working to break down class barriers, Mrs Birling's views seem particularly disgusting and outdated.
2
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The Hypocritical Mother
Mrs Birling's treatment of her own family reveals her double standards perfectly. She dominates her husband and speaks her mind freely, yet expects her daughter Sheila to be a submissive wife who never questions Gerald's absences.
Her patronising attitude towards Sheila is especially jarring - calling her engaged daughter "this child" shows how she uses power to control even her own family. This behaviour makes her seem foolish and hypocritical.
Callout: Notice how Mrs Birling is only described as "Mr Birling's wife" in the stage directions - Priestley cleverly shows how women were defined by their husbands, yet Mrs Birling perpetuates this system.
The irony is striking: Mrs Birling could have used her privilege to challenge women's oppression, but instead she reinforces it. This makes her particularly unlikeable to modern audiences who expect better from those with power.
3
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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A Distant and Controlling Parent
Mrs Birling's complete ignorance about her children's problems - Sheila's low self-esteem and Eric's alcoholism - shows how detached she really is. Even Gerald, who's new to the family, knows Eric better than his own mother does.
Her obsession with maintaining a perfect family image has destroyed genuine relationships with her children. They hide things from her because they can't risk disappointing her impossible standards.
The fact that Sheila went to her father about the Milward's incident (rather than her mother) speaks volumes. In that era, mothers and daughters typically had closer relationships, but Mrs Birling's controlling nature has pushed her children away.
Callout: Priestley's own mother died when he was young - some critics believe Mrs Birling represents his anger towards mothers who choose to distance themselves from their children.
4
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Most popular content: An Inspector Calls
9Most popular content in English Literature
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user