In J.B. Priestley’s play An Inspector Calls, Mrs. Sybil Birling is a character who embodies social elitism, moral rigidity, and a sense of superiority. She is known for her cold demeanor and judgmental nature, often criticizing those around her for actions she perceives as improper or morally weak. One of the key dynamics in the play is the tension between Mrs. Birling and her husband, Arthur Birling. Mrs. Birling’s criticisms are not only reflective of her own values and prejudices but also serve to highlight the social and moral themes that Priestley explores throughout the drama.
The Nature of Mrs. Birling’s Criticism
Mrs. Birling criticizes Arthur Birling primarily for what she considers his moral and social failings, although these criticisms are often indirect and expressed through her own assumptions about duty, responsibility, and social propriety. Her critiques are deeply rooted in her belief in the hierarchy of society and the importance of maintaining appearances and social status. In many ways, her criticism is less about genuine concern for ethical behavior and more about her perception of Arthur’s adherence to her standards of propriety.
Criticism of Arthur’s Social Judgments
One area where Mrs. Birling criticizes Arthur is in his social judgment and business decisions. Arthur Birling, a prosperous businessman, often expresses opinions that focus on individualism, wealth, and progress, which Mrs. Birling perceives as superficial or morally insufficient. For instance, she disapproves of his optimistic views about the future and industrial progress, considering them naive or overly self-serving. Her criticism underscores the ideological differences between the two characters, reflecting the tension between social responsibility and individual ambition.
Criticism Related to Moral Responsibility
Mrs. Birling also critiques Arthur Birling in terms of moral responsibility, particularly concerning the younger generation and societal duties. While Arthur often emphasizes self-reliance and business success, Mrs. Birling focuses on the moral obligations of individuals to their social class and community. She disapproves of any deviation from strict social norms, and her criticisms highlight the moral rigidity that Priestley uses to expose the hypocrisy and shortcomings of the upper class.
Specific Instances of Criticism
Throughout An Inspector Calls, there are several moments where Mrs. Birling’s criticism of Arthur is evident, often revealing her pride and narrow perspective on social order.
Criticism During the Dinner Scene
During the Birling family dinner, when Arthur makes confident statements about the future, Mrs. Birling subtly critiques his overconfidence and business optimism. She considers his speeches about industrial progress and social advancement as lacking awareness of social responsibility and ethical considerations. Her criticism is implied rather than overt, reflecting her tendency to maintain decorum while expressing disapproval of perceived moral or social failures.
Criticism Concerning Eva Smith’s Case
One of the most notable instances of Mrs. Birling criticizing Arthur occurs in the context of the Inspector’s investigation into Eva Smith’s death. While much of her direct criticism targets the younger Birlings, she also implicitly critiques Arthur’s handling of social responsibilities and business ethics. For example, she disapproves of any leniency or acknowledgment of fault that Arthur may suggest, insisting instead on strict adherence to social norms and the protection of family and status. This criticism demonstrates her rigid moral framework and her refusal to confront uncomfortable truths.
Criticism of Arthur’s Approach to Family and Society
Mrs. Birling’s criticism extends beyond business and morality into Arthur’s approach to family and societal obligations. She expects Arthur to conform to her standards of behavior, particularly regarding social appearances and the family’s reputation. If Arthur deviates from these expectations, whether through casual remarks or ethical decisions, Mrs. Birling views this as a flaw and expresses disapproval. Her critiques often emphasize her belief in maintaining control and asserting authority over both family and social situations.
Underlying Motivations for Mrs. Birling’s Criticism
Mrs. Birling’s criticism of Arthur is motivated by several factors, which are closely linked to her character traits and the broader themes of Priestley’s play.
Social Superiority and Class Consciousness
Mrs. Birling’s sense of social superiority is a primary reason she critiques Arthur. She views her own moral standards and class status as benchmarks for proper behavior, and she judges Arthur based on these rigid standards. Her criticism reflects her preoccupation with class hierarchy and social propriety, highlighting the tensions between personal ambition and societal expectations.
Moral Conservatism
Another motivation is her strong moral conservatism. Mrs. Birling believes in strict rules regarding behavior, responsibility, and duty. Arthur’s decisions, which are often pragmatic or self-interested, clash with her idealized view of morality. Her criticisms, therefore, are not merely personal attacks but reflect her deeply held belief in upholding moral principles and societal norms.
Fear of Social Exposure
Mrs. Birling’s criticisms are also driven by fear of social exposure or scandal. She is deeply concerned with appearances and the potential damage to the family’s reputation. When Arthur acts in ways that might compromise this image or appear morally questionable, she is quick to criticize. This motivation underscores Priestley’s commentary on the superficial concerns of the upper class and the way moral responsibility is often subordinated to social image.
Impact of Mrs. Birling’s Criticism on the Play
Mrs. Birling’s criticism of Arthur serves several functions in An Inspector Calls. It creates tension between the characters, highlights the generational and ideological divides within the Birling family, and reinforces the play’s social critique.
Creating Familial Tension
Her critiques contribute to the tension between Arthur and the rest of the family. By challenging his views, whether subtly or overtly, she exacerbates conflicts that reveal deeper issues of pride, arrogance, and denial. This tension mirrors the broader societal conflicts that Priestley addresses, making personal disputes a reflection of social critique.
Highlighting Generational and Ideological Divides
The differences between Mrs. Birling and Arthur also underscore generational and ideological divides. Arthur represents a more pragmatic, capitalist approach, while Mrs. Birling embodies rigid morality and class consciousness. Her criticisms emphasize these contrasts, allowing audiences to explore the complex interplay between individual beliefs, societal norms, and ethical responsibility.
Reinforcing Social Critique
By portraying Mrs. Birling’s criticisms, Priestley critiques the moral hypocrisy and elitism of the upper class. Her insistence on propriety, social status, and moral superiority exposes the flaws in a system where appearances often outweigh genuine ethical behavior. The tension between Mrs. and Arthur serves as a microcosm for the social critique that runs throughout the play, highlighting issues of responsibility, inequality, and the consequences of moral negligence.
In An Inspector Calls, Mrs. Birling criticizes Arthur Birling for perceived moral shortcomings, social naivety, and deviations from her own standards of propriety. Her critiques are motivated by social superiority, moral conservatism, and a concern for reputation. These criticisms serve multiple purposes in the play they create familial tension, highlight ideological divides, and reinforce Priestley’s social commentary on the responsibilities of the upper class. Understanding Mrs. Birling’s criticism of Arthur provides deeper insight into her character, the dynamics of the Birling family, and the overarching moral and social themes explored in the play. Through her judgmental and rigid perspective, audiences are encouraged to reflect on issues of morality, responsibility, and social conscience, making her criticisms central to both character development and thematic exploration in Priestley’s work.