Sheila Flashcards
Act 1.
She is upset by what the inspector has told her.
She cares.
“It’s just that i can’t help thinking about this girl - destroying herself so horribly - and I’ve been so happy tonight”.
Act 1.
She doesn’t want to take responsibility.
Doesn’t know the full story.
“You talk as if we were responsible-“
Act 1.
Defending Eva and the working class girls.
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people”.
Act 1.
She is beginning to take responsibility.
Questions inspector.
“So i’m really responsible?”.
Act 1.
She tries to defend her self.
Puts blame on someone else.
“I expect you’ve done things you’re ashamed of too”.
How is Sheila Birling described in the play?
At the start of the play she is celebrating her engagement to Gerald Croft and she is a giddy, naïve and childish young lady.
How is Sheila presented?
How is Sheila presented?
Priestley initially presents Sheila as a naïve, entitled “pretty girl” whose worth is determined by her appearance, who transforms into an empowered, confident woman.
What does Sheila represent in the play?
Priestley’s message
a symbol to represent the younger generation and socialism. Sheila gives the audience hope that their society can improve if people take responsibility for the impact of their actions.
What themes does Sheila link to?
the central theme of the play is responsibility, and Priestley gives Sheila a significant role in making her family realise that they are all responsible.
How does Sheila accept responsibility?
she defends Eva Smith claiming that Eva and other members of the working class are ‘not cheap labour, they’re people’.
