Mrs Birling: A Character Analysis in "An Inspector Calls"

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.

Social Status and Attitude

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.

Maternal Role and Family Dynamics

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.

Hypocrisy and Lack of Empathy

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.

Influence on Plot and Themes

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.