Mrs Birling

Mrs Birling metaphorically represents capitalism, ignorance towards lower classes and morally represents selfishness.

In the morality play she metaphorically represents wrath and pride.

Her disdain for the lower class is evident all the way through.

Pride - her social position and her name - “First she called herself Mrs Birling”

Stage directions

“cold”

- adjective symbolises and foreshadows her behaviour towards the lower classes.; metaphorical “cold”: a detachment and there is no emotion or affection towards those who are less fortunate. She shows no sympathy towards them. specifically towards Eva.

Coupled with her age being “fifty” we have a notion that the older generation are arguably narrow minded and are reluctant to change. The audience knows Mrs Birling will not change from the opening.

“husband’s social superior”

Her position within society is made clear and outlines the pride she will later display when refusing Eva Smith the charity.

Noun “superior” further modifies her position and this belief that she is above others and perhaps it even serves to highlight the growing gap capitalism has created. Priestley’s problem was that the gap between capitalism was getting wider.

Key Quotations

“I don’t suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed suicide. Girls of that class...”

Dehumanisation of Eva Smith and all girls of the lower classes.

“Girls” seems to be huge generalisation with the implication that all poor, of less fortunate girls will try to commit suicide.

Lack of understanding

Apathy displayed - linking back to “cold”