Sheila Flashcards
How does Priestley present Sheila through the play?
“Priestley uses Sheila Birling as representative…
Of the younger generation, whom Priestley believed were the hopeful future of the country.
What words can be used to describe Sheila?
Naive, spoilt, privileged, proud, jealous, honest, appalled, apologetic ashamed, frustrated.
At the beginning of the inspection Priestley establishes Sheila as..
..a naive and privileged young women who is unaware of the harsh realities of life
(In contrast with Eva Smith)
“…very pleased with life and rather excited.”
Sheila
Child like stage directions
Complacent and naive
”..is this the one you wanted me to have?”
- the ring is a powerful symbol if Sheila’s state of mind.
“I’m sorry, Daddy.”
Childish language
Sheila
Very obedient to the patriarchy.
“But this girl’s aren’t cheap labour - they’re people.”
Emphasis of people - she sees that those women have been dehumanised and exploited.
“You mustn’t try to build up a wall..”
Metaphor - Mrs Birling sees a barrier between the classes: Sheila understands what the inspector is trying to do.
“(bitterly) I suppose we’re all nice people now.”
Sarcasm + irony
Anger and passion
Stage directions
“It frightens me the way you talk.”
Understands the dangerous impact of their behaviour
Sees how the Inspector manipulates them to confessing their sins.
