Sheila Birling

• How does Priestley use the character of Sheila in the play?

  To explore the power of the individual in a biased society and challenge ideas about gender
• What character trait is Sheila initially presented with in the play?

  Sheila is portrayed as immature and materialistic
• What does Sheila's use of "mummy" and "daddy" signify about her character?

  It reflects her immaturity and childlike nature
• How do Mr. and Mrs. Burling refer to Sheila, and what does this imply?

  They refer to her as both a child and childish, implying her inferior status
• What does Sheila's comment about the engagement ring reveal about her character?

  It presents her as materialistic and overly attached to possessions
• What does Eric say about Sheila and Mrs. Burling in Act 1?

  He comments that they are talking about clothes
• How does Gerald treat Sheila during the interrogation in Act 1?

  He tries to have her removed from the room, indicating he sees her as inferior
• What does Sheila's treatment by others reflect about society at the time?

  It reflects the societal view of women as inferior to men
• How does Sheila's social class affect her vulnerability compared to Eva Smith?

  Being middle class makes Sheila more protected and less vulnerable than Eva Smith
• What change occurs in Sheila's character after the inspector's interrogation?

  Sheila begins to show a dramatic shift in her personality, becoming more assertive
• What does Sheila's comment "you fool he knows" signify about her development?

  It demonstrates her newfound maturity and understanding of the situation
• How does Sheila's return of the engagement ring symbolize her character development?

  It implies she is now governed by logic and reason rather than emotions
• What message does Priestley convey through Sheila's character transformation?

  That individuals should own their mistakes and hold others accountable
• How does Sheila's relationship with her parents change in Act 2?

  She begins to address them as "mother" and "father," indicating her maturity
• What does Sheila's interruption of Mrs. Burling signify in Act 2?

  It shows her growing confidence and assertiveness
• How does Sheila's questioning of her family after the inspector's departure reflect her character growth?

  It shows she has taken on the role of the inspector, demanding accountability
• What technique does Priestley use with Sheila's language to show her transformation?

  He uses repetition, mirroring the inspector's language about "fire and blood and anguish"
• What does Sheila's realization of her own faults indicate about her character?

  It shows her growth and desire for others to recognize their faults as well
• What does Priestley encourage the audience to do through Sheila's character?

  To challenge conventional thinking and hold those in power accountable
• How can Sheila's transformation serve as an example to the audience?

  It demonstrates that anyone can change for the better
• What are the key themes explored through Sheila's character in the play?

  • Power of the individual in a biased society
  • Challenge to gender roles
  • Social responsibility and accountability
  • Transformation and personal growth
• How does Priestley contrast Sheila with her parents throughout the play?

  • Sheila evolves from immature to assertive
  • Parents remain fixed in their ways
  • Sheila learns social responsibility, unlike her parents
• What does the engagement ring symbolize in Sheila's character arc?

  • Initial materialism and attachment
  • Transition to maturity and logic
  • Rejection of superficial values
• How does Sheila's character reflect the societal attitudes towards women during the time the play is set?

  • Treated as inferior by male characters
  • Represents the struggle against gender inequality
  • Shows the potential for change and empowerment