Mrs Birling ACT ONE

Mrs Birling is a paragon of what?

• The Edwardian aristocratic woman

• A marginalised woman

• 
  A naïve woman

• 
  A maternal carer

Answer explanation

Mrs. Birling embodies the Edwardian aristocratic woman through her social status, values, and attitudes, reflecting the privilege and moral rigidity of her class, which contrasts with the changing social dynamics of the time.

How is Mrs Birling introduced?

• 
  The mother of Eric and Sheila

• 
  Sybil Birling

• 
  The woman of the house

• 
  Her husband’s social superior

Answer explanation

Mrs. Birling is introduced as her husband’s social superior, highlighting her elevated social status and influence within the family and community, which is significant in the context of the play.

In the introduction, why does Mrs Birling stand out from the other characters?

• 
  She is born into the aristocracy

• 
  She is not named

• 
  She is praised by Priestly

• 
  She is introduced first

Answer explanation

Mrs. Birling stands out because she is not named, which emphasizes her role as a representative of the upper class rather than an individual. This lack of a personal name highlights her detachment and social status.

How does Mrs Birling uphold the patriarchy?

• 
  She flatters her husband

• 
  She does not work

• She conforms to the expectations of her role

• 
  She has two children

Answer explanation

Mrs. Birling upholds the patriarchy by conforming to the expectations of her role as a woman in society, which emphasizes traditional values and reinforces male authority, rather than challenging the status quo.

Why did the women go into the drawing room after dinner?

• 
  To change clothes

• 
  For tea and cake

• To entertain visitors

• 
  To leave the men to drink and smoke

Answer explanation

The women went into the drawing room to leave the men to drink and smoke, a common social practice of the time, allowing the men to enjoy their drinks while the women engaged in their own activities.

Mrs Birling is a _______ of her class

• 
  Marionette

• 
  Accessory

• 
  Tool

• 
  Allegory

Answer explanation

Mrs. Birling is a marionette of her class, as she embodies the values and expectations imposed by her social status, acting under the influence of her privileged background rather than as an independent individual.

Mrs Birling wants to _________ the younger generation

• 
  Admired

• 
  Make life easier for

• 
  Belittle

• 
  Copy

Answer explanation

Mrs. Birling seeks to belittle the younger generation, reflecting her disdain for their values and beliefs. This choice highlights her desire to undermine their perspectives rather than support or admire them.

Mrs Birling wants to __________ her husband

• 
  Impress

• Correct the faux pas of

• 
  Overshine

• Be subordinate to

Answer explanation

Mrs. Birling's desire to 'correct the faux pas of' her husband indicates her intention to address a mistake he made, reflecting her authoritative and critical nature, rather than simply wanting to impress or overshadow him.

“Sheila! What an expression! Really,_________________”

• 
  Don’t be so naïve

• 
  Don’t use that vulgar language

• 
  The things you girls pick up these days

• 
  Don’t be so outspoken

Answer explanation

The phrase "The things you girls pick up these days" suggests a disapproval of modern influences on behavior, fitting the context of Sheila's expression. The other options do not directly address the nature of her expression.

She acknowledges that marriage is a process of _____ and adopting a different set of controls and norms

• 
  Rejecting

• 
  Accepting

• 
  Enforcing

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Enforcing' because marriage involves implementing and adhering to new controls and norms, rather than rejecting or merely accepting them.