Mrs Birling

In this lesson, we will explore Priestley's negative portrayal of Mrs Birling. We will explore how her character develops in the play and revise key contextual knowledge that allows us to develop a detailed interpretation of her character. This lesson makes reference to the topics of violence and suicide. If these issues are sensitive for you, we recommend checking with a trusted adult before starting, or doing the lesson with a trusted adult nearby.

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.What is the correct definition of 'complacency'?

Feeling very laid back and relaxed because you have enough money. Someone who is very worried about their past. Someone who is very annoyed because they know something terrible is about to happen. Someone who is very pleased or self-satisfied, especially when unaware of upcoming trouble.

1/5

Q2.What is the definition of 'caricature'?

An exaggerated representation of something to create a grotesque or comical effect. A realistic representation of something to create a powerful effect. To create a character that is fictional but believable. Something that you can turn into a cartoon.

2/5

Q3.What is the correct definition of 'galvanise'?

To create an effect. To shock or excite into action. To push along. To find a solution.

3/5

Q4.Which adjectives describe Mr Birling at the end of the play?

complacent, emotional, weak complacent, arrogant, ignorant superficial, callous, repentant strong, concerned, hopeful

4/5

Q5.Why can Mr Birling be described as complacent?

He is happy with the status quo and sees no value in changing society. He changes dramatically in the play. He becomes more responsible. He has learns a valuable lesson.

5/5

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.What is the correct definition of 'complacency'?

1/5

Q2.What is the definition of 'caricature'?

2/5

Q3.What is the correct definition of 'galvanise'?

To create an effect. To shock or excite into action. To push along. To find a solution.

3/5

Q4.Which adjectives describe Mr Birling at the end of the play?

complacent, emotional, weak complacent, arrogant, ignorant superficial, callous, repentant strong, concerned, hopeful

4/5

Q5.Why can Mr Birling be described as complacent?

He is happy with the status quo and sees no value in changing society. He changes dramatically in the play. He becomes more responsible. He has learns a valuable lesson.

5/5

Video

Play video

Click on the play button to start the video. If your teacher asks you to pause the video and look at the worksheet you should:

Click "Close Video"
Click "Next" to view the activity

Your video will re-appear on the next page, and will stay paused in the right place.

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Mrs Birling

Take the quiz to check your understanding of the important knowledge and vocabulary covered in lesson 6.

Q1.What is the correct definition of 'haughty'?

Having or showing excessive selfishness. Having or showing excessive tiredness. Having or showing excessive happiness. Having or showing excessive pride or arrogance.

1/5

Q2.What is the correct definition of 'prejudice'?

An unreasonable dislike of a particular group or things. Liking something or having a preference for one thing. A feeling of hatred. A feeling of concern or worry for something.

2/5

Q3.What is the correct definition of 'complacency'?

3/5

Q4.Which adjectives describe Mrs Birling at the end of the play?

complacent, prejudiced, weak haughty, callous, repentant haughty, unlikable, ignorant strong, concerned, hopeful

4/5

Q5.Why is Mrs Birling prejudiced against Eva Smith?

She has stereotypical views of lower class women as immoral. She doe not like her dress. She does not like the fact she had an affair with her son. Because she asked for a pay rise.

5/5

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Mrs Birling

Take the quiz to check your understanding of the important knowledge and vocabulary covered in lesson 6.

Q1.What is the correct definition of 'haughty'?

Having or showing excessive selfishness. Having or showing excessive tiredness. Having or showing excessive happiness. Having or showing excessive pride or arrogance.

1/5

Q2.What is the correct definition of 'prejudice'?

An unreasonable dislike of a particular group or things. Liking something or having a preference for one thing. A feeling of hatred. A feeling of concern or worry for something.

2/5

Q3.What is the correct definition of 'complacency'?

3/5

Q4.Which adjectives describe Mrs Birling at the end of the play?

complacent, prejudiced, weak haughty, callous, repentant haughty, unlikable, ignorant strong, concerned, hopeful

4/5

Q5.Why is Mrs Birling prejudiced against Eva Smith?

She has stereotypical views of lower class women as immoral. She doe not like her dress. She does not like the fact she had an affair with her son. Because she asked for a pay rise.

5/5

Lesson summary: Mrs Birling

It looks like you have not completed one of the quizzes.

To share your results with your teacher please complete one of the quizzes.

Time to move!

Did you know that exercise helps your concentration and ability to learn?

For 5 mins...

Move around:
Walk

On the spot:
Dance

The next lesson in:
Revisiting: An Inspector Calls
is:
Responsibility (Part 1)

Browse Oak's lessons:

Subjects Schedule

Mrs Birling

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Video

Mrs Birling

Mrs Birling

Lesson summary: Mrs Birling

It looks like you have not completed one of the quizzes.

Time to move!

The next lesson in: Revisiting: An Inspector Calls is: Responsibility (Part 1)

Browse Oak's lessons:

The next lesson in:
Revisiting: An Inspector Calls
is:
Responsibility (Part 1)