Sheila ( done ) Flashcards
(7 cards)
Overview
Priestley uses the character of Sheila Birling in ‘An Inspector Calls’ as a vehicle to bring attention to the younger generation’s capacity to change and accept social responsibility. As the play progresses, Sheila moves away from an arguably superficial approach to life in order to accept responsibility and in turn strives for change within her own family. This development occurs in response to the Inspector who acts as a catalyst for change, prompting Sheila to abandon her family’s capitalist ideologies in order to embrace socialist ideals.
Priestley uses the character of Sheila Birling as a vehicle to demonstrate the ability of the younger generation to develop a sense of responsibility, and their willingness to change their views when compared to their parents. This is outlined through Sheila’s change from selfish and childish to mature and outspoken during the play.
Beginning quotes
“Yes- except for all last summer, when you never came near me, and I wondered what had happened to you”
“Oh-it’s wonderful! Look-Mummy- isn’t it a beauty? Oh- darling- (she kissed Gerald hastily)…Now I really feel engaged’.
‘and I’ve been so happy tonight.’
‘But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people”
Middle quotes
‘(eagerly) Yes, that’s it. And I know I’m to blame and I’m desperately sorry – but I can’t believe – I won’t believe – it’s simply my fault that in the end she – she committed suicide. That would be too horrible – ‘
‘And probably between us we killed her.’
‘I think you’d better take this with you. (She hands back the ring)’
‘Mother, I think it was cruel and vile.’
Ending quotes
‘I don’t care about that. The point is, you don’t seem to have learnt anything.”
‘But you’re forgetting one thing I still can’t forget. Everything we said had happened really had happened.
“(bitterly) I suppose we’re all nice people now.”
“And Eric’s absolutely right … You’re just beginning to pretend all over again.”
Beginning opening
At the beginning of the play, Sheila is presented as naïve and sheltered, initially conforming to the expectations placed on upper-class women. However, Priestley begins to hint at her underlying moral awareness, foreshadowing her potential to break away from the passive femininity endorsed by older generations.
Middle opening
As the play progresses, Sheila begins to transform into a more self-aware and morally conscious character. Priestley uses her growing guilt and sense of responsibility to reflect his belief that the younger generation has the capacity to change and challenge social injustice.
Ending opening
As the play comes to a close, Sheila fully rejects the complacency of her parents and refuses to ignore the lessons of the Inspector. Priestley uses her as a symbol of hope for a more compassionate and socially responsible future, contrasting her moral growth with the stubbornness of the older generation.
