Have you ever struggled to understand the true character of Sybil Birling in An Inspector Calls? Maybe you’ve read the play and felt frustrated trying to make sense of her cold, judgmental attitude or her strict views on class and responsibility. Understanding her words and actions can feel tricky, especially when you’re looking for quotes that really show who she is and why Priestley made her so important.
In this blog, we’ve collected the most significant Sybil Birling Quotes along with clear explanations and analysis. You’ll get insights into her personality, her prejudice, and her role in the play, making it easier to use these quotes in essays, exams, or discussions. By the end, you’ll have a full picture of Sybil Birling and the impact of her words on the story’s message.
Key Sybil Birling Quotes About Class and Social Status
- “Now, Sheila, don’t tease him. When you’re married you’ll realize that men with important work have to spend most of their time on business.”
Shows Sybil’s conservative view of gender roles and her belief that a wife should support her husband. - “What an expression, Sheila! Really, the things you girls pick up these days!”
Highlights her concern with manners and appearance, and her traditional mindset. - “Now, Arthur, I don’t think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this.”
Sybil shows she values family celebrations over money, reflecting her privileged upbringing. - “Please don’t contradict me like that. Girls of that class—”
Reveals her class prejudice and strict belief in hierarchy. - “You seem to be conducting yourself in a rather offensive manner. My husband was lord mayor, you know.”
Shows her arrogance and how she uses social status to intimidate others.
Sybil Birling Quotes Showing Her Lack of Empathy
- “No, of course not. He’s only a boy.”
Ironically underestimates Eric’s maturity, showing her ignorance. - “It isn’t true. You know him, Gerald – and you’re a man – you must know it isn’t true.”
Shows her biased view of gender and her inability to see Eric’s flaws. - “It would be much better if Sheila didn’t listen to this story at all.”
Sybil tries to shield her daughter from reality, showing her conservatism. - “Well, really! Alderman Meggarty! We are learning something tonight.”
Shows her ignorance of common knowledge and life outside her bubble. - “I don’t think we want any further details of this disgusting affair.”
Demonstrates her class prejudice, calling Gerald’s affair ‘disgusting’ because of Eva’s lower status.
Sybil Birling Quotes on Gender Roles and Family Expectations
- “Yes, I think it was simply gross impertinence and prejudiced me against her case.”
Shows her lack of empathy and quick judgment against Eva. - “I’m very sorry, but I think she had only herself to blame.”
Reflects her cruel attitude and refusal to take responsibility for the poor. - “I’ll tell you what I told her: Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility.”
Sybil passes the blame, not realizing the father is her own son. - “Oh, stop it, both of you. I didn’t have her turned out of her job, it wasn’t me.”
Shows her initial refusal to admit any family wrongdoing. - “Whatever it was, I lost all patience with her. She was giving herself ridiculous airs.”
Reveals her cold and judgmental attitude toward Eva.
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Sybil Birling Quotes Revealing Her Arrogance and Privilege
- “The father was only a youngster, silly and wild and drinking too much.”
Ironically refers to her son Eric, showing her ignorance. - “All a lot of nonsense, I didn’t believe a word of it.”
Shows her prejudice against the working class and disbelief of Eva. - “Oh, she had some fancy reason. As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!”
Shows her classist attitude, seeing the poor as inferior and greedy. - “Secondly, I blame the young man who was the father of the child. He should be made an example of.”
Sybil condemns Eric without knowing it’s her own son. - “Then he’d be entirely responsible, because the girl wouldn’t have come to us if it hadn’t been for him.”
Shows how she fails to understand the complex reality of responsibility.
Sybil Birling Quotes Highlighting Denial and Ignorance
- “Certainly. And he ought to be dealt with very severely.”
Shows her desire to punish the father, again unaware it’s Eric. - “Eric, I can’t believe it. There must be some mistake.”
Her denial emphasizes her ignorance and shock at reality. - “But I didn’t know it was you, I never dreamt. Besides, you’re not the type—you don’t get drunk.”
Shows her misconception of her son and her general ignorance of human nature. - “Eric! You stole money?”
Her disbelief at Eric’s wrongdoing reflects her limited understanding of responsibility. - “I should think not. Eric, I’m absolutely ashamed of you.”
Her shame focuses on Eric, not on her parenting or family role.
Sybil Birling Quotes on Responsibility and Blame
- “Didn’t I tell you? I couldn’t imagine a real police inspector talking like that to us.”
Shows her arrogance and belief in social hierarchy. - “I did nothing I’m ashamed of.”
Her refusal to accept responsibility highlights her unrepentant attitude. - “Girls of that class never have the same feelings as we do.”
Shows her entrenched class prejudice and lack of empathy. - “It’s simply incredible that anyone of that sort could ask for help.”
Reveals her belief that the poor are undeserving of assistance. - “I won’t believe it, I can’t believe it. They’re making a mistake.”
The final quote shows her stubborn denial and detachment from reality.
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FAQ’s
How is Eric Birling first presented in the play?
Eric is introduced as somewhat immature and irresponsible. He drinks too much and acts carelessly, showing little awareness of the consequences of his actions.
What mistakes does Eric make that affect Eva Smith?
Eric steals money from his father’s business and has a secret relationship with Eva Smith, which results in her pregnancy. These actions contribute directly to her suffering and eventual death.
How does Eric react when he learns the truth about his role in Eva’s death?
Eric feels guilty and shocked. He admits his mistakes and begins to take responsibility, saying things like, “The fact remains that I did what I did,” showing the start of his moral awakening.
How does Eric show change by the end of the play?
By the end, Eric acknowledges collective responsibility with Sheila, saying, “We all helped kill her , and that’s what matters.” He understands that he must face the consequences of his actions and becomes socially aware, unlike his mother.
Why is Eric’s change important in the play?
Eric’s change highlights Priestley’s message that the younger generation can learn empathy, take responsibility, and challenge the rigid, selfish values of the upper class. He represents hope for a more moral and socially responsible society
Conclusion
Sybil Birling quotes reveal her strict class views, lack of empathy, and stubbornness, which play a key role in An Inspector Calls. Through these quotes, we see how her attitudes impact Eva Smith’s fate and highlight the flaws of the upper-class mindset.
By exploring Sybil Birling quotes, readers can better understand her character, her denial of responsibility, and the social messages J.B. Priestley conveys. These quotes offer valuable insights into family dynamics, morality, and the consequences of privilege.
