Sheila Birling - Act 1 Key Quotations

Question 1

Stage Directions - Shows she is a typical pretty girl from the higher classes.

Answer 1

“pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life and rather excited.”

Question 2

Engagement Ring - Suggests she is materialistic.

Answer 2

“Mummy - isn’t it a beauty?”

Question 3

Sheila is further presented as materialistic and it is suggested that the ring matters to her more than the marriage.

Answer 3

“I’ll never let it go out of my sight for an instant.”

Question 4

Arthur Birling’s Speech - Implies her immaturity.

Answer 4

“I’m sorry, Daddy. Actually I was listening.”

Question 5

Sheila is Sheltered and Self-Centred

Answer 5

“Oh I wish you hadn’t told me.”

Question 6

Sheila is Self-Centred

Answer 6

“I was absolutely furious.”

Question 7

Sheila displays the potential for change.

Answer 7

“But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they’re people.”

Question 8

Sheila changes her behaviour towards Gerald and becomes more assertive.

Answer 8

“Why - you fool - he knows.”