SHEILA Flashcards
What is a grade 9 opening sentence about Sheila Birling?
Transforms from an infantile capitalist to a passionate socialist.
‘half serious half playful’
JUXTAPOSITION. Creates a sense of unease at the celebration. Foreshadows inspector arriving and undermines her relationship with Gerald. It also shows she could change.
What does Sheila feel about capitalism?
She feels unsettled by it.
(stage direction) ‘very pleased with life’
Ignorant to the mistreatment and inequality of the working class. Very exaggerated to show her ignoring this completely. SHELTERED.
‘Mummy’ ‘daddy’
COLLOQIALISMS–> cannot see the harsh realties of life and acts like a child. Juxtaposes Eva who has lost both parents.
‘Mother’ ‘Father’
When she comes into conflict and starts to stand up to her parents. She becomes more socially aware.
Which of the seven deadly sins does Sheila represent?
Envy. (used for a moral message).
‘if she had been some miserable plain little creature, I don’t suppose I would have done it’
Dehumanises Eva by calling her a ‘creature’
‘now I really feel engaged’
This shows the importance she put on the ring. Is the ring the reason for her feelings. (MATERILAISTIC). SUPERFICIAL.
‘you’re pretending as if everything is just as it was before’
The real world collides with Sheila’s idealistic world.
‘Mummy isn’t it a beauty’
Again trying to get reassurance from her parents.
What does Sheila try to avoid doing?
Becoming a stereotypical Edwardian woman/ acting submissive.
‘distressed’ ‘horrified’ ‘frightened’
Sheila accepts the consequences of her lifestyle.
How does Sheila feel about Inspector G?
He haunts her.
‘they’re not cheap labour, they’re people!’
Shows her subconscious belief in socialism. Still leaves an air of detachment from the pronoun ‘they’
