Mrs Birling's Role and Characterization

Mrs Birling serves as a dramatic device in "An Inspector Calls", representing the attitudes of an Edwardian upper-class woman. Her character is crucial in highlighting the social issues Priestley aimed to critique.

Social Superiority

Mrs Birling views herself as socially superior to the lower classes. This is evident in her interactions and dialogue throughout the play.

Example: She corrects her husband's social manners, saying "Arthur, you're not supposed to say such things" when he thanks the maid for dinner.

She also attempts to intimidate the Inspector by mentioning her husband's social position:

Quote: "You know of course that my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that he's still a magistrate."

Arrogance and Prejudice

Mrs Birling's arrogance is displayed in her belief that she is qualified to judge what is "respectable" and "deserving". Her prejudice against the lower classes is clear in her treatment of Eva Smith.

Quote: "I didn't like her manner. She was giving herself ridiculous airs."

Lack of Awareness

An important aspect of Mrs Birling's character is her apparent lack of awareness of the realities around her. This could be interpreted as deliberate ignorance rather than genuine unawareness.

Highlight: Mrs Birling's reaction to learning about Eric's involvement in Eva's pregnancy demonstrates her hypocrisy and selective blindness.

Resistance to Change

Unlike some other characters, Mrs Birling does not change or learn from the Inspector's revelations. Her attitude remains hardened throughout the play.

Quote: "I was the only one of you who didn't give in to him."

This resistance to change underscores Priestley's critique of the rigid class system and the unwillingness of some to acknowledge their social responsibilities.

Mrs Birling's Treatment of Eva Smith and Character Development

Mrs Birling's Interaction with Eva Smith

Mrs Birling's treatment of Eva Smith is a crucial element in "An Inspector Calls". Her actions towards Eva highlight her prejudices and lack of empathy.

Highlight: Mrs Birling turned Eva Smith away from her charity when she desperately needed help.

Mrs Birling's justification for her actions reveals her deep-seated class prejudice:

Quote: "She was claiming elaborate feelings and scruples that were simply absurd in a girl in her position."

Perception of Eva's Situation

Mrs Birling's view of Eva's pregnancy out of wedlock demonstrates her rigid moral standards and lack of compassion:

Quote: "As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!"

This statement shows that Mrs Birling automatically assumes Eva is morally corrupt due to her circumstances.

Character Development (or Lack Thereof)

Unlike some characters in the play, Mrs Birling does not undergo significant character development. She remains largely unchanged by the Inspector's revelations.

Highlight: Mrs Birling is presented throughout the play as a narrow-minded, patronizing, and arrogant character.

Her refusal to accept any responsibility for Eva's death, even after learning of her son's involvement, underscores her inability to change:

Quote: "I accept no blame for it at all."

Priestley's Critique

Through Mrs Birling's character, Priestley critiques the unfair distribution of power in Edwardian society and its corrupting influence. Her unwillingness to change or accept responsibility serves as a stark contrast to characters like Sheila, highlighting the generational divide in attitudes towards social responsibility.

Analysis: Mrs Birling's character in "An Inspector Calls" serves as a powerful critique of upper-class attitudes and the lack of social responsibility in Edwardian society. Her treatment of Eva Smith and her resistance to change throughout the play underscore Priestley's themes of class prejudice, gender roles, and the need for collective responsibility.