sheila birling

Question 1

introduction

Answer 1

In An Inspector Calls, Sheila Birling, a character of profound depth and transformation, is depicted as a compelling figure whose journey of moral enlightenment mirrors the societal call for change.

Initially portrayed as a naïve and privileged young woman, Sheila’s encounter with the Inspector catalyses a dramatic evolution, positioning her as a symbol of hope and accountability in a world resistant to self-reflection.

Question 2

‘Mother, I think it was cruel and vile.’ - Act 2

Answer 2

• Sheila’s deep-seated animosity towards her mother is highlighted through the use of synonyms “cruel and vile.”
• Priestley’s concise and blunt syntax in addressing Sybil Birling’s actions implies they are self-evident, aligning the audience with Sheila.
• Initially, Sheila’s use of “mummy” and childlike language portrays her as immature, but her transition to “mother” signifies growing distance and dwindling sympathy.
• The lack of connectives in Priestley’s sentence structure suggests Sybil Birling’s actions are unequivocally condemnable.

Question 3

‘was it an accident?’ - Act 1

Answer 3

• Just like an inquisitive, naïve child asking questions to help them make sense of the world around them that they are just beginning to learn about, Sheila equally asks questions to make sense of this situation.
• For a child, questioning the world is an integral part of maturing, which suggests that Sheila is still trapped in this childish developmental stage.
• In order to progress and mature, it is necessary that her parents no longer restrict her from learning about different political ideologies so she can hold her own opinion.
• This quote could also indicate how Sheila has not yet been introduced or exposed to the outside, real world.

Question 4

‘pretty girl in her early twenties’ - stage direction

Answer 4

• Sheila doesn’t have much responsibility for work and family and has a very affluent lifestyle; her family are wealthy and, therefore, enjoys many luxuries.
• Initially presented as spoilt and discourteous, she uses the power of their surname to get her own way.
• Considered a ‘pretty girl’ and knows it, which could be regarded as her hamartia, a fatal flaw.
• Too concerned about looks, she gets jealous when others are prettier, especially if lower class.

Question 5

‘but these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people’ - Act 1

Answer 5

• Mr Birling views factory workers as mere cheap labour, however Sheila challenges this, asserting workers are human beings, not commodities.
• Emphasises workers’ dignity and individuality, highlighting their humanity.
• Priestley uses Sheila to convey a message about social responsibility as she represents younger generation’s challenge to oppressive systems.
• Aligns with Priestley’s vision of a fairer Britain, emphasising empathy over profit.

Question 6

‘if I could help her now, I would’ - Act 1

Answer 6

• Priestley uses a change in tenses to highlight Sheila’s quick admission and remorse.
• Sheila learns she cannot change the past and focuses on the present: “And if I could help her now, I would”.
• Portrayed as sympathetic and courageous, first to empathise with Eva Smith, showing genuine remorse.
• Use of the personal pronoun ‘I’ shows Sheila’s acknowledgement of personal guilt, which the Inspector insists guilt and responsibility must be shared by all.