“She looked as if she could take care of herself”

• Analysis

  Sheila's perspective is remarkable, as she assumes Eva, being attractive, can easily secure a man to support her, unaware that Eva’s joblessness means she has no means to earn a living. This reflects the sexist society where women, dependent on men for survival, are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, a mindset that contributes to Eva's tragic fate.
• Alternative interpretation

  Sheila’s immediate admission of guilt and her genuine remorse highlight her self-awareness and the recognition that her bias contributed to Eva's downfall. Her honesty and repentance make her a sympathetic character, showing that she is ready to learn from the inspector’s lesson and change her ways.
• Theme - Patriarchy 


  Priestley shows Sheila as both a victim and an oppressor in a patriarchal society, where women’s value is tied to their appearance and ability to marry. Sheila’s jealousy of Eva’s looks leads her to perpetuate this system, harming another woman in the process.
• Writers Intention 


  Priestley draws on the tradition of the morality play, where characters represent the 7 deadly sins. Sheila embodies envy, driven by her jealousy of Eva’s looks, which leads to Eva's dismissal from Milwards.