Sheila Birling

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

initially an untitled capitalist

gains maturity and acknowledges her mistakes

most significant reception to the inspectors message

Question 2

I.I.T.O.Y.W.M.T.H

Answer 2

Is it the one you wanted me to have?

highlights her materials, and her initial capitalist views.

demonstrates her need for validation and infantilised nature

Question 3

B.T.G.A.C.L.T.P

Answer 3

But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people

Sheila’s empathetic rejection of her father’s capitalist language marks her moral awakening
The juxtaposition of “cheap labour” and “people” highlights Sheila’s shift to active awareness, as she rejects capitalist values.

Question 4

Y.M.B.S.T.H.B.J.O.H

Answer 4

You might have been said to have been jealous of her

Inspector catalyses her understating in her own complicity in the victimisation of women.
This leads to her self-reflection indicating a departure from her earlier, superficial view of women,

Question 5

W.R.M.S.T.S.P

Answer 5

We really must stop these silly pretences

Sheila’s directness contrasts with the previous pretensions of her family, marks her rejection of social hypocrisy
The word “silly” critiques her parents’ false sense of superiority, highlighting their shallow morality

Question 6

Y.A.I.A.T.S.P.W.S.D.T.D

Answer 6

You and I aren’t the same people who sat down to dinner

Sheila’s mature recognition of moral change is used byPriestley to challenge the superficial stability of upper-class relationships.
🔹 This statement aligns with Priestley’s message of self-reflection and accountability.

Question 7

Y.B.L.A.H.C.T

Answer 7

You’re behaving like a hysterical child tonight

Priestley critiques this through Sheila’s eventual rejection of such patronising authority, showing how youth can challenge societal norms.

Question 8

I.B.B.T…P.T.N.M.H.H

Answer 8

I behaved badly too… pretend that nothing much has happened

Sheila’s admission of guilt marks her as the first character to show genuine remorse
The contrast between her honesty and her parents’ denial emphasises the generational divide

Question 9

N.N.Y.I.T.S.I.M.T

Answer 9

No not yet.. it’s too soon, I must think

Sheila’s hesitation reveals her emotional maturity, as she grapples with the weight of responsibility
This line shows her gradual development as she navigates the complexities of her moral awakening