Sheila+Eric Flashcards
(9 cards)
Early sign of Sheila’s empathy and awareness of class issues. She challenges her father’s capitalist view.
But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.”
Sheila accepts responsibility for her role in Eva’s downfall, showing moral growth.
I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry.”
Expresses genuine remorse — emphasises her transformation and conscience.
It’s the only time I’ve ever done anything like that, and I’ll never, never do it again.”
Disturbed by her parents’ lack of remorse, Sheila distances herself from their outdated values
It frightens me the way you talk.”
Sheila sees the social divide as a false barrier and warns against the Birlings’ attempts to separate themselves morally from Eva.
You mustn’t try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl.”
Early moment of sympathy towards the working class — Eric questions capitalist values, unlike his father.
Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?”
Highlights the emotional distance between Eric and Mr. Birling — reflects a dysfunctional family dynamic.
You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble.”
Blames his mother for refusing help to Eva — raw emotion, showing his moral anger and internal conflict.
You killed them both – damn you, damn you –”
Eric, like Sheila, is disturbed by how easily his parents dismiss their actions — shows generational divide.
It frightens me too.”
