Sheila

Question 1

These girls aren’t cheap labour people they’re people

Answer 1

Girls connote innocence and vulnerability she recognised how exploitative prey on the disadvantaged social class, she is disgusted by the humanity of their family, and challenges their extreme views.

Question 2

“Really feel engaged”

Answer 2

The engagement between Sheila and Gerald is one formed on materialism and capitalism. Her obsession with material objects is demonstrated when Sheila needs the physical token of a ring to “really feel engaged”. ● The notion of this ring validating their relationship is a metaphor for the nature of their marriage. It is founded on strategic upward social mobility and business relations between the Crofts and Birlings, rather than love.

Question 3

“I suppose we’re all nice people now”

Answer 3

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. Furthermore, it is clear Sheila is the only character who expresses genuine motion towards the suicide of Eva Smith when she reacts to the tragedy as “Oh - how horrible” Priestley demonstrates this through the use of a dash, indicating Sheila’s authentic displeasure.