1) When and why did Mrs Birling see Eva Smith?
2) Why do Mrs Birling initially deny that she recognised the girl in the photograph?
3) Does she show pity for Eva’s death?
Mrs. Birling is a prominent member of the Brumley Women’s Charity Organization, to which, it seems, Eva Smith turned for help only two weeks ago. The girl assumed the name “Mrs. Birling” at the meeting, to which Sybil Birling took immediate offense. The girl, who (the Inspector reveals) was pregnant, was desperate and asking the charity for help. Mrs. Birling used her influence over the committee, however, to have her appeal denied. “She came to you for help,” the Inspector continues, “at a time when no woman could have needed it more ... alone, friendless, almost penniless, desperate. She needed not only money, but advice, sympathy, friendliness ... And you slammed the door in her face.” Mrs. Birling does not show remorse.
An Inspector Calls
