“No not yet it's too soon”

• Analysis 


  The tragic irony in Gerald’s offer of the ring lies in Sheila's response. Despite recognizing Gerald’s attempts to justify his actions, Sheila doesn’t fully reject him. She understands that he’s using an intellectual argument to avoid responsibility, but still doesn't fully reject his ring, revealing that she has not fully learned the inspector’s lesson. This highlights the persistent moral failure and her struggle to break free from societal expectations.
• Alternative interpretation

  Sheila goes back to Gerald, signaling that, despite her brief realization of responsibility, she hasn’t fully learned the inspector’s lesson. Priestley uses this to show the younger generation’s reluctance to change, remaining trapped in social norms and justifications. Sheila’s return to Gerald underscores the difficulty of breaking free from patriarchal values and highlights that true change requires confronting moral responsibility.
• Theme - Older vs Younger generation 


  Sheila’s refusal to immediately accept Gerald’s ring shows her moral growth, contrasting with the older generation’s tolerance of infidelity and irresponsibility. While her hesitation reflects a desire for change, the implication of the possibility of her eventual reconciliation with Gerald suggests the lesson is not fully learned. Priestley highlights this generational divide, with Sheila symbolizing hope for progress, albeit uncertain.
• Writers intention 


  The second phone call and inspector symbolize the cycle of history, showing how the older generation failed to learn from the first world war and repeated their mistakes, leading to the second. Priestley urges the younger generation, especially Sheila, to break this cycle. In 1912, Sheila, as a woman with no autonomy or vote, was powerless to change her world. However, by 1945, the opportunities for change were clear, with women now having a voice and the chance to shape society’s future.