Understand how Mrs Birling communicates with others in the play Objectives Understand how Mrs Birling communicates with others in the play
Propriety and Manners SYBIL BIRLING … is about fifty, a rather cold woman and her husband’s social superior. Mrs. Birling has very few lines in the opening act of the play; indeed, most of her lines from Act One are reprinted on the next slide
‘(smiling) Very well, then. Just a little, thank you.’ ‘(reproachfully) Arthur, you’re not supposed to say such things – ’ ‘Now, Sheila, don’t tease him.’ ‘What an expression, Sheila! Really the things you girls pick up these days!’ ‘Now stop it, you two.’ ‘Much nicer really.’ ‘Now, Arthur, I don’t think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this.’ ‘Eric!’ ‘Well, it came just at the right moment. That was clever of you, Gerald.’ ‘Arthur!’ ‘Eric – I want you a minute.’
You should notice that many of them are either (giving instructions) or offer reprimands (a telling off). Her motives here, and elsewhere in the play, are linked, very closely, to her perception of what’s right and what’s wrong, to behaviour and manners. Working in groups, discuss each of the quotes. Talk about who Mrs. Birling might be speaking to, and why. What might have been said / happened before she delivers the line and / or what might have been said / happened after it?
Task In groups of five, select at least three quotes and use them to improvise, and then script, a short extract (about 20 lines) between the Birlings and Gerald Croft. Mrs. Birling’s lines must be delivered exactly as detailed. Take a few minutes to rehearse your performances before presenting them to the rest of the class. As you rehearse, consider: Priestley’s stage directions describing the personality / actions of the characters; Mrs. Birling’s motives and relationship with each member of her family, and with Gerald; the themes and ideas of the play.
Motives and Relationships & Themes and Ideas morals and ethics manners propriety GENDER class and status family generational differences