Sheila Birling

Question 1

Stereotypical immature middle-class girl… and why?

Answer 1

‘Couldn’t feel sorry for her’
‘miserable creature’
‘Now I feel really engaged’
‘(still admiring her ring)’
‘pleased with life’
Shows she has been spoilt - the negative impacts of wealth inequality and being raised with social class standards
Sets the audience up to have a negative impression of her - shows the capability of change from immature and spoiled to remorseful and smart

Question 2

Patronised/protected

Answer 2

‘is this the one you wanted me to have’
‘Run along’
‘The child’
‘Lonely, half-starved’
Last quote shows the contrast between beliefs as all of the characters (bar Inspector) patronise her and control her actions - the inspector will not rose-tint the situation
Shows the effect of gender on society

Question 3

Shows genuine change

Answer 3

‘Mummy’ -> ‘Mother’
‘These girls aren’t cheap labour’
‘Don’t interfere, father’
‘(Sheila feels this at once)’
‘I know I’m to blame’

Question 4

Central argument

Answer 4

Sheila shows the sharp contrast a change in attitude can have to a person - shows the difference between someone influenced by the class system versus someone influence by socialism

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

Priestley does this throughout the course of a short play to show how quickly someone can change their behaviour and work towards a better society - shows audience that they can do it too