SHEILA QUOTES Flashcards
“But these girls aren’t cheap…
labour – they’re people.”
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
“I’ll never, never do…
it again to anybody.”
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Here, Sheila takes ACCOUNTABILITY for her role in Eva’s suffering, EMBODYING social responsibility
“I suppose we’re…
all nice people now.”
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Her SARCASM exposes the upper class’s HYPOCRISY/
highlights how she now has a different perspective to her parents
“It frightens me the
way you talk”
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
The word “frightens” reflects her REALISATION that they will never change, widening the gap between old and young.
“We really must stop…
these silly pretences.”
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Sheila URGES her family to accept the truth rather than protect their image. “we” highlights collectiveness
“You mustn’t try to build up a…
kind of wall between us and that girl.”
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY/social class divide
“wall”, emphasizing how the upper class ISOLATES themselves from the suffering of the poor.
“I behaved badly too. I know….
I did. I’m ashamed of it.”
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
She OPENLY ACCEPTS BLAME, showing growth. Unlike her parents - privilege doesn’t justify mistreating others
“Why – you fool –
– he knows.”
GENDER DIVIDE
she is finally standing up for herself despite being dismissed by men throughout the play.
“Mother, I think it…
…was cruel and vile.”
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
“You don’t seem to…
have learnt anything.”
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
Her disappointment reinforces Priestley’s message that older generations are often resistant to progress.
“It’s you two who are being childish – …”
trying not to face the facts.”
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
turns her parents’ PATRONISING attitude against them
“face the facts” aligns with social responsibility
“I remember what he said, how he looked,…
and what he made me feel. Fire and blood and anguish.”
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
“fire and blood and anguish” foreshadows the real-world consequences of selfishness.
“You’re beginning to pretend…
as if nothing’s really happened at all.”
GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
“No, not yet. It’s too…
soon. I must think.”
GENDER DIVIDE
Sheila’s hesitation to take Gerald back reflects her newfound independence. rejects the societal norms of women being submissive and obeying men
“Nothing to do with…
you, Sheila. Run along.”
GENDER INEQUALITY/DIVIDE
patriarchal attitude that women, especially young women, should not concern themselves with serious matters; sticking to traditional gender roles
