Sheila Flashcards
shows childish and baby nature, she stuck in a bubble shielded from the outer world
“I’m sorry, Daddy.” She looks attentive, as they all do. (Act 1)
Sheila recognises that working-class girls are also humans and not just objects
But these girls aren’t cheap labour- they’re people. (Act 1)
Shows inequality. Sheila didn’t really get a choice in what ring she wanted because Gerald had already chosen one for her.
Oh – Gerald – you’ve got it – is it the one you wanted me to have? (Act 1)
if she had been ‘ugly’ Sheila wouldn’t have done it.
If she’d been some miserable plain little creature, I don’t suppose I’d have done it. But she was very pretty and looked as if she could take care of herself. I couldn’t be sorry for her. (Act 1)
The repetition of “never” represents how Sheila is ready to commit to change
It’s the only time I’ve ever done anything like that, and I’ll never, never do it again to anybody. (Act 1)
Foreshadowing, as inspector Ghoole is a supernatural being
(laughs rather hysterically) why – you fool – he knows. Of course he knows. And I hate to think how much he knows that we don’t know yet. You’ll see. You’ll see. (Act 1)
the young are keen and able to change unlike the older generation who’s views are unsinkable like the titanic
(eagerly) 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 that in the end she – she committed suicide. That would be too horrible –(Act 2)
shows how socialism can easily defeat capitalism
We all started like that – so confident, so pleased with ourselves until he began asking us questions. (Act 2)
Sheila is aware of the social barrier. She is insightful, and knows how the Inspector works, yet the older generation do not seem to understand.
(slowly, carefully now) you mustn’t try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl. If you do, then the inspector will just break it down. And it’ll be all the worse when he does. (Act 2)
Sheila has grown from immature to wise
I’m not a child, don’t forget. I’ve a right to know. (Act 2)
is understanding of the inspector and his techniques
(rather wildly, with laugh) No, he’s giving us the rope – so that we’ll hang ourselves. (Act 2)
sign of character development as Priestley is suggesting that Sheila has a capacity to learn from what has happened.
I don’t dislike you as I did half an hour ago, Gerald. In fact, in some odd way, I rather respect you more than I’ve ever done before. …. But this has made a diffence. You and I aren’t the same people who sat down to dinner here.(Act 2)
Sheila and Mr Birlings roles have switched
Don’t interfere, please, father. (Act 2)
Again, Sheila is reminding someone else to be honest.
I behaved badly too. I know I did I’m ashamed of it. But now you’re beginning all over again to pretend that nothing much has happened- (Act 3)
Sheila recognises her parents’ fault and becomes angry when they do not acknowledge them.
(flaring up) It’s you two who are being childish – trying not to face the facts. (Act 3)
makes fun of her family for how quickly they can forget there actions
(bitterly) I suppose we’re all nice people now.(Act 3)
still is accepting blame as she understands what’s happened
(flaring up) Well, he inspected us all right. And don’t let’s start dodging and pretending now. Between us we drove that girl to commit suicide. (Act 3)
summarises the views of the capitalists and how easy they forget the bad
I tell you – whoever that Inspector was, it was anything but a joke. You knew it then. You began to learn something. And now you’ve stopped. You’re ready to go on in the same old way. (Act 3)
