Responisibility

Question 1

Sheila is the only character who expresses genuine motion towards the suicide of Eva Smith. Priestley demonstrates this through the use of a dash, indicating Sheila’s authentic displeasure.

Answer 1

“Oh - how horrible”

Question 2

Sheila is instantly open toward accepting responsibility and is self-critical of her selfish actions

Answer 2

“I was in a furious temper” and
“It was my own fault” and “I behaved badly too.
I know I did”.

Question 3

Priestley’s use of the informal adjective “rotten” demonstrates Sheila’s lack of maturity in vocabulary.
However, she also shows remorse for her actions, which she instantly knew was wrong. Arguably, this is Priestley conveying the message that maturity is proportional to the level of social responsibility you feel, rather than using formal vocabulary.

Answer 3

“I felt rotten about it at the time”

Question 4

Priestley evidences Sheila’s commitment to changing her attitude towards social responsibility.

Answer 4

“If I could help her now, I would” and
“I’ll never, never do it again to anybody”

Question 5

Priestley uses this rhetorical device, coupled with a sarcastic tone to convey Sheila’s disapproval of her parents and Gerald’s lack of remorse. The lack of a potential criminal conviction doesn’t alleviate their immoral actions.

Answer 5

“I suppose we’re all nice people now”

Question 6

Sheila recognises her parents’ faults. Priestley uses irony to expose the lack of responsibility and immaturity of Mr and Mrs Birling, as Sheila (the child) labels her parents as “childish”.

Answer 6

“It’s you two who are being childish - trying not to face the facts”