In 'An Inspector Calls', J.B. Priestley uses Mrs Birling to... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
16
0
maria
30/11/2025
English Literature
Does Priestley Present Mrs Birling as Unlikeable by the End of Act 2? - An Inspector Calls
778
•
30 Nov 2025
•
How Does Priestley Make Mrs Birling Seem Unlikeable by the End of Act 2 in An Inspector Calls?
maria
@maria_reji
1 / 4
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today's world, where we're working to break down class barriers, Mrs Birling's views seem particularly disgusting and outdated.
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.
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.
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.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google 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 S
iOS 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 Klich
Android 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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
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 S
iOS 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 Klich
Android 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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
How 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... Show more
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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
16
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
Fate & Family in Romeo and Juliet
Explore key quotes from 'Romeo and Juliet' that illustrate the themes of fate and family honour. This analysis delves into how Shakespeare portrays the inescapable nature of fate and the destructive power of family feuds, highlighting pivotal moments that shape the tragic narrative. Ideal for students studying Shakespeare's themes and character motivations.
English Literature11
Mr. Birling's Character Analysis
Explore key quotes and character traits of Mr. Birling from Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls'. This analysis delves into his self-importance, business mindset, and social hierarchy, providing definitions and context for critical vocabulary. Ideal for students studying character development and themes in the play.
English Literature10
Character Insights: An Inspector Calls
Explore detailed mind maps of key characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls', including Mrs. Birling, Sheila, Eric, and Inspector Goole. This resource highlights their roles, social ideologies, and the themes of social responsibility and inequality, essential for exam preparation.
English Literature11
Curley Character Insights
Explore a detailed analysis of Curley from 'Of Mice and Men', focusing on his egoism, aggression, and insecurities. This characterization highlights key traits such as his privileged background, violent tendencies, and neglectful relationship with his wife. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding character dynamics in literature.
English Literature11
Macbeth Act 1 Scene 6 Analysis
Explore a detailed analysis of Act 1 Scene 6 from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This summary highlights key themes, character interactions, and the manipulative dynamics between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as they host King Duncan. Ideal for students studying Shakespearean literature and character motivations.
English Language9
Jekyll and Hyde: Letter Analysis
Explore Chapter 5 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' with a detailed analysis of the pivotal letter incident. This annotation highlights key themes of secrecy, reputation, and the duality of human nature as experienced by Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Utterson. Ideal for students seeking to understand character motivations and narrative structure.
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google 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 S
iOS 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 Klich
Android 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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
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 S
iOS 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 Klich
Android 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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user