An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley

 

Extensive Response to the Exam Question on J. B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls - Presentation of Mrs. Birling as a Powerful Character

 

A. What Mrs. Birling Says and Does in the Play to Show Her Power

Mrs. Birling is presented as a powerful and dominant character in An Inspector Calls through both her actions and dialogue. From the beginning, she exudes an air of superiority and confidence, which is indicative of her high social status. Throughout the play, her interactions with others, particularly with those of lower social standing, emphasize her belief in her own power and influence.

1. Her Role in the Charity Organisation: Mrs. Birling holds a prominent position in a charity organization, which is a key indicator of her societal power. She is the chairwoman of the Brumley Women's Charity Organisation, an establishment that theoretically works for the welfare of women in need. However, her behavior towards those who seek help demonstrates a lack of empathy and a sense of entitlement.

Ø  For instance, when she describes how she rejected Eva Smith’s appeal for help, Mrs. Birling says:
“I used my influence to have it refused.”
This statement shows that Mrs. Birling has considerable influence in the town and can make important decisions that affect the lives of others. She feels entitled to use her position of power to deny help to those she deems unworthy, which reflects both her personal authority and social standing.

2. Her Treatment of Others (Particularly the Inspector): Throughout the play, Mrs. Birling consistently tries to maintain control over the conversation, especially with the Inspector. She assumes that her status will allow her to dismiss the investigation and protect her family.

Ø  When Inspector Goole begins questioning her, Mrs. Birling adopts a dismissive attitude, saying:
“I’m sorry, I’m not quite sure about that. I don’t think you know enough about it.”
Here, she refuses to take the Inspector seriously, assuming that he, being a working-class man, cannot possibly know enough about matters of such importance. This reflects her arrogance and self-assurance in her own power and superiority.

Ø  Furthermore, she asserts:
“I was the only one of you who didn’t give in to him.”
This statement shows Mrs. Birling’s pride in her ability to resist the Inspector’s influence. She believes that she has been able to maintain control over the situation, unlike her husband and children, who have confessed their roles in Eva Smith’s downfall.

3. Her Arrogance and Belief in Social Class: Mrs. Birling’s power is closely tied to her strong belief in the hierarchical nature of society. She is quick to dismiss any responsibility for the death of Eva Smith, viewing her actions as justified because of Eva’s lower social status.

Ø  She claims:
“I don’t believe I will accept any responsibility.”
In this line, Mrs. Birling shows that she sees herself as above reproach, refusing to accept any blame for the tragedy, despite the evidence linking her actions to Eva’s suffering.

Ø  When she is told about her son’s involvement with Eva Smith, she responds:
“Oh, how horrible! Was it the girl who...?”
This reflects her shock at the idea that someone of her family’s stature could be involved with someone from the lower class, further underscoring her belief in the separation between social classes and her own privileged position.

 

B. How Priestley Presents Mrs. Birling by the Ways He Writes

J. B. Priestley’s portrayal of Mrs. Birling as a powerful character is achieved not only through her actions and dialogue but also through the language and stage directions used in the play. Priestley uses various dramatic techniques to emphasize her authority, control, and social position.

1. Language and Dialogue: Priestley presents Mrs. Birling’s sense of power and control through her assertive language and authoritative tone. She speaks with confidence, often cutting people off and dictating the flow of conversation.

Ø  Early in the play, when Mr. Birling talks about the future of the family business, Mrs. Birling responds:
“Arthur, you’re not telling me anything I don’t know.”
Her tone is commanding, reflecting her domination in the family dynamic. Even in matters where her husband is technically the head of the household, Mrs. Birling asserts her knowledge and authority.

Ø  When she addresses Sheila (her daughter) during the questioning, she says:
“You know of course that the father of the child is a young man of the name of Eric.”
This statement demonstrates her belief that social class and family reputation are more important than the feelings of others. Mrs. Birling speaks as if she is confident that her family's reputation will protect them from scandal.

2. Stage Directions: Priestley’s use of stage directions further highlights Mrs. Birling’s dominance and influence over others in the family. For example, she is often described as sitting upright or making grand gestures, which emphasize her aristocratic bearing and control over the environment.

Ø  In the stage directions, Priestley describes her as having a "self-satisfied" air. This is key to understanding her character. Her posture and behavior are controlled and composed, which contrasts with the more emotionally expressive actions of the younger characters, particularly Sheila and Eric.

Ø  When Mrs. Birling reacts to the news of Eva Smith’s death, Priestley writes:
“Sheila, stop! You’re not the type of girl that would have got involved with someone like that.”
The imperious tone and her authoritative use of language show that she views herself as morally superior to others and believes she has the right to dictate the lives of those around her.

3. Priestley’s Critique of Class and Power: Priestley uses Mrs. Birling to critique the power structures of the time, particularly in relation to the upper class. Through her, Priestley exposes the hypocrisy and selfishness of those in positions of power who are blind to the suffering caused by their actions.

Ø  The fact that Mrs. Birling cannot acknowledge her moral responsibility in the death of Eva Smith demonstrates Priestley’s critique of the lack of social conscience among the ruling class. In this way, Mrs. Birling becomes a symbol of the privileged elite who are quick to blame the lower classes for their own misfortune.

Ø  Mrs. Birling’s final refusal to accept any responsibility for Eva’s death is framed as the ultimate act of power. She insists that "a girl of that sort" brought about her own downfall, emphasizing how she uses class distinctions to absolve herself of guilt. Priestley contrasts this with the more self-reflective and guilt-ridden behaviour of the younger characters (Sheila and Eric), who eventually come to realize their part in the tragedy.

 

Conclusion:

In An Inspector Calls, Mrs. Birling is presented as a powerful character through her dominant behaviour, her authoritative language, and the stage directions that emphasize her control over the family and social interactions. Priestley uses her character to critique the moral shortcomings of the upper class, exposing their disregard for social responsibility. Mrs. Birling’s refusal to accept blame for her actions and her belief in her own superiority make her both a symbol of authority and a vehicle for Priestley’s social critique, highlighting the moral hypocrisy that the play aims to challenge.