Mrs Birling

a rather cold woman

and her husband's social superior.” – Stage directions, Act 1

• Characterisation through stage directions – immediately presents Mrs. Birling as cold, proud, and socially snobbish.

• Class distinction – “her husband’s social superior” highlights class hierarchy even within her own family.

'Arthur, you're not supposed to

say such things-'

Act 1

“I’m very sorry.

But I think she had only herself to blame.” – Act 2

• Blame-shifting – Mrs. Birling refuses to accept responsibility.

• Formal, cold tone – highlights her lack of empathy.

• Irony – she condemns Eva, ignoring her own role.

• Theme – class prejudice and moral blindness.

Girls

of that class—” – Act 2

• Class prejudice – dismissive and derogatory phrase.

• Dash – indicates contempt and interruption of polite speech.

• Theme – social hierarchy and snobbery.

(Mrs. Birling enters,

briskly and self confidently)'

Act Two self assured lady

adverb

I used my influence

to have it refused.” – Act 2

• Power and privilege – shows how she abuses social status.

• Declarative sentence – assertive and unapologetic.

“As if a girl of that

sort would ever refuse money!” – Act 2

• Stereotyping – condescending and prejudiced.

• Rhetorical question – dismisses the girl’s dignity.

• Theme – class divide and judgment.

I’ve done nothing wrong

—and you know it.” – Act 3

• Denial – refuses accountability.

• Short sentence – blunt and firm.

• Tone – defensive.

'You're behaving like a

hysterical child tonight'

adjective hysterical patronising misogynistic

'Don't be

childish Sheila'

Act 2

When you’re married you’ll realise

that men with important work to do sometimes have to spend nearly all their time and energy on their business.” – Act 1

• Patronising tone – she talks down to Sheila, reflecting traditional gender roles.

• Theme – gender expectations and social conservatism.

• Foreshadowing – hints at the theme of personal vs. social responsibility.

You seem to have made a great

impression on this child, Inspector.” – Act 2

• Dismissive and sarcastic tone – undermines Sheila’s growing awareness.

• Irony – Mrs. Birling’s failure to recognize her own faults.

• Theme – generational divide and resistance to change.