Final answer:
Through Priestley's use of stage directions, Mrs Birling is presented as a cold, snobbish, and unsympathetic character. Her actions, movement, and dialogue reinforce her superior attitude and lack of empathy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mrs Birling in Priestley's Stage Directions
Priestley uses stage directions to present Mrs Birling as a character who is cold, snobbish, and dismissive of others. For example, when she enters the scene, the stage directions describe her as 'her husband's social superior', highlighting her status-consciousness. Furthermore, Priestley employs stage directions like 'haughtily' and 'with dignity' to show Mrs Birling's arrogance and lack of empathy.
Another way Priestley presents Mrs Birling is through her physical movement on stage. Her stage directions often include descriptions of her being 'cold', 'stiff', or 'calmly'. These adjectives suggest a sense of poise and detachment, emphasizing her lack of warmth or genuine concern for others.
In addition to her actions and movement, Priestley also uses stage directions to reveal Mrs Birling's dialogue. For instance, he instructs her to speak 'proudly' and 'coolly', reinforcing her superior attitude. Through these stage directions, readers can perceive Mrs Birling as a character who is self-assured, unsympathetic, and closed off from the realities faced by others.
Learn more about Mrs Birling's presentation in Priestley's stage directions