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.

Mrs Birling's Character and Key Themes

Mrs Birling is a central character in J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls". Her portrayal is deeply intertwined with key themes of the play, particularly those of class, gender, and social responsibility.

Class Prejudice

Mrs Birling's attitude towards Eva Smith exemplifies the class prejudice prevalent in Edwardian society. She dismisses Eva as "a girl of that class", revealing her deeply ingrained snobbery.

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

This quote demonstrates Mrs Birling's assumption that working-class individuals are inherently greedy and lack moral principles.

Gender Roles

Mrs Birling embodies traditional Edwardian views on gender roles. Despite not having a job herself, she judges Eva harshly for her circumstances.

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

This statement reveals Mrs Birling's belief that working-class women should not aspire to have complex emotions or moral standards.

Social Responsibility

Mrs Birling's refusal to accept any responsibility for Eva's fate is a central aspect of her character.

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

Her insistence that she "did her duty" by turning Eva away from her charity highlights the theme of social responsibility, or lack thereof, among the upper classes.

Highlight: Mrs Birling's character serves as a critique of the wealthy's indifference to the struggles of the working class.