'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Mrs. Birling | English

Starter quiz

In 'An Inspector Calls', what is Mrs. Birling's first name?

Sybil ✓

Sheila

Edna

Margaret
Match the characters from 'An Inspector Calls' to the correct words used to describe them in the stage directions.

Mr. Birling

⇔

“portentous” “provincial” ✓

Mrs. Birling

⇔

“cold” “superior” ✓

Sheila

⇔

“pretty” “pleased” “excited” ✓

Gerald

⇔

“attractive” “well-bred” “man-about-town” ✓

Eric

⇔

“shy” “assertive” ✓
These plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' focus on the character of Mrs. Birling. Starting with the first, put them into chronological order.

1

⇔

Mrs. Birling is introduced as a confident, dismissive character.

2

⇔

We learn Eva Smith had approached her charity for help.

3

⇔

Mrs. Birling rejects Eva’s request, believing her to be undeserving.

4

⇔

She denies responsibility, blaming Eva for her own downfall.

5

⇔

She is shocked to learn Eric was involved with Eva Smith.

6

⇔

After the Inspector leaves, Mrs. Birling believes the whole event was a hoax.
Is the answer true or false? 'In An Inspector Calls', Mrs. Birling believes in the importance of social responsibility.

'false' ✓
In 'An Inspector Calls', which words does Priestley use to describe the way the Inspector should talk?

"loudly"

"carefully" ✓

"weightily" ✓

"dramatically"

"sarcastically"
Which dramatic technique can be described as: 'a situation where the audience knows something that the characters do not.'?

foreshadowing

monologue

dramatic irony ✓

stage directions

Exit quiz

In Act 1 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mrs. Birling is described as...

"cold" ✓

"provincial"

"superior" ✓

"portentous"

"pretty"
At the end of Act 3 of 'An Inspector Calls', Mrs. Birling dismisses Sheila and Eric's thoughts and says they are...

"sensitive"

"amused"

"ridiculous"

"over-tired" ✓
Is the answer true or false: In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses a metaphor to represent class hierarchies and the separation between classes.

'true' ✓
In 'An Inspector Calls', which word beginning with 'i' does Mrs. Birling use to describe both the Inspector and Eva Smith? It can be described as: 'rude or showing a lack of respect.'

'impertinent' ✓
In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', which of the following best describes Mrs. Birling’s attitude toward her family?

She is supportive and understanding of her children’s mistakes.

She tries to assert her control over her family, especially Sheila. ✓

She encourages open communication within the family.

She is emotionally distant from her children.
In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', how does Priestley use dramatic irony during the Inspector's interrogation of Mrs. Birling?

Mrs. Birling denies wrongdoing, despite the audience knowing she is responsible.

The Inspector reveals that Mrs. Birling is lying about her involvement with Eva.

Mrs. Birling heavily criticises and judges the father of Eva Smith's baby. ✓

The audience is unaware of the Inspector's true motives.

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

Mrs. Birling could reflect stereotypical attitudes of upper class Edwardian society.
Priestley uses the older generation of Birlings to critique Edwardian attitudes.
Mrs Birling’s interrogation reveals her attitude towards the working class and social responsibility.
When writing about a character it can be useful to consider how they are presented throughout the play.

Common misconception

Mrs. Birling’s interrogation shows her changing attitude towards responsibility.

Although Mrs. Birling has some revelations about her family towards the end of Act 2, her attitude remains unchanged at the end of the play. She stubbornly refuses to accept any responsibility, reinforcing her commitment to class prejudices.

Keywords

Stereotypical - a widely held but oversimplified belief or idea about a particular group of people or things
Empathy - the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person
Moral - related to principles of right and wrong behavior
Impertinent - rude or showing a lack of respect
Superior - acting in a way that shows you think you are better or more important than others