'An Inspector Calls': Mrs Birling Character Analysis (animated)
Mr Bruff・6 minutes read
Priestley critiques the class system through Mrs. Birling's negative portrayal, illustrating the wealthy's arrogance towards the law and inequality in Edwardian society. Mrs. Birling's interactions with other characters and reluctance to confess her connection to Eva Smith show the tension and frustration prevalent in the play.
Insights
- Mrs. Birling's portrayal by Priestley serves as a critique of the class system, illustrating her domineering nature and disdain for those beneath her, reflecting broader issues of social hierarchy and injustice.
- The inclusion of characters like Edna in the Birling household underscores the prevailing disparities and discriminatory attitudes towards the working class in Edwardian society, shedding light on the stark contrast between the privileged and the less fortunate.
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Recent questions
Who is Mrs. Birling?
A character in a play.
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Summary
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"Mrs. Birling: Symbol of Class Critique"
- Priestley criticizes the class system through the negative depiction of Mrs. Birling as bossy and controlling, evident in her interactions with other characters in the play.
- Mrs. Birling's discomfort with Inspector Goole's questioning showcases the complacency of the wealthy middle and upper class towards the law, highlighting their sense of being above it.
- Priestley uses Mrs. Birling as a dramatic device to build tension, particularly through her reluctance to confess her connection to Eva Smith, showcasing the frustration and tension in the play.
- The presence of domestic staff like Edna in the Birling household highlights the outdated practices of the privileged class, emphasizing the inequalities and attitudes towards the less fortunate in Edwardian society.
