Sheila And Mrs Birling Flashcards
Mrs Birling is (smiling) as she learns of no suicide reports…
This shows that she is relieved due to the dispersed risk of a scandal.
Sheila speaks (tensely) as she is ‘frightened’ by the way her parents speak…
This shows she has learned the impact of her actions.
Sheila - ‘ If it didn’t end tragically then that’s lucky for us,’
Creates irony as it reinforces how while they are free of a scandal they still committed cruel acts.
Where did Mrs Birling work?
At the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation. She felt help should only be offered to those deserving of it.
Mrs Birling is Mr Birling’s ‘social superior,’ what could this suggest?
Sheila has engaged to Gerald as a result of Mr Birling’s wishes to socially climb.
Men with important work to do spend nearly all their time and energy on their…
Business.
’ A girl of that sort.’
A euphemism to show she looks down on lower classes.
Sheila (miserably) asks.
’ So I’m really responsible?’
Sheila reflects on irony as she states …
’ It’s you two who are being childish.’
‘Don’t contradict me like that.’
Mrs Birling is used to having her opinions accepted, showing she asserts authority over others.
Mrs Birling : ‘ you’re behaving like a …. Tonight!’
’ Hysterical child.’
When the truth about Eric comes out Sheila says..
’ Now mother, don’t you see?’ Showing how her refusal to take people younger seriously has caused her to suffer.
Sheila rejects Gerald by saying…
’ I think you’d better take this with you.’ As she offers him the ring.
Sheila’s compassion towards the working class…
’ these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people.’
Sheila trying to protect her mother from speaking out of line…
(With sudden alarm): mother - stop - stop!
