Sheila Birling Flashcards
First impression and big ideas
Status is that of a firm middle class and she’s engaged to Gerald Croft who is of a higher social status, she married up. She is apart of the younger generation.
- resentment and embodiment of younger generation
- women - impact of women’s upbringings upon life - similarities with Eva
stage directions as “a pretty girl
in her early twenties, very pleased with life and rather
excited”.
paints a picture of a young, privileged, and naïve character, likely unaware of the harsh realities of the world
“a pretty girl in her early twenties”:
This immediately establishes the character’s age and suggests a focus on her appearance, potentially highlighting a superficial view of life.
“very pleased with life”:
This implies a carefree and possibly naive outlook, suggesting she hasn’t yet encountered hardship or adversity.
“rather excited”:
This suggests an immature and possibly frivolous nature, further reinforcing the idea of a sheltered and privileged upbringing.
” Now I feel really engaged “
Mirrors her families capitalist views before the inspector arrives to challenge them. She comes across as materialistic in only seeing true value in her relationship with Gerald after he presents her with a ring.
Capitalist idea of wealth is more important than affection.**
societal expectation of women being defined by material possessions, rather than genuine emotional connection; this line is often used to critique the shallowness of the upper class in the play.
Sheila: “ Pretty? “
reveals a shallow and materialistic view of value, initially suggesting her worth is tied to appearance, which Priestley uses to highlight societal biases.
This demonstrates her initial shallow and superficial mindset, where she associates value with physical appearance. - similar to Gerald - she’s a product of capitalist, materialistic up bringing.
Sheila’s focus on Eva’s looks, rather than her suffering or the circumstances surrounding her death, highlights her materialistic and self-centered nature.
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