Sheila Act 1

• oppressed by the patriarchy

  Sheila's oppression serves to be symbolic of the typical oppression of women in the early 20th century.

  Her entire being is centred around the patriarchal expectations of her marrying to advance her family politically and socially

  We clearly see that Sheila is equally ecstatic about the marriage as she is mesmerised by the "beauty" of the ring, but she is later disillusioned to the idea of marriage.

  instantly introduced as a [pretty girl] reinforcing how Sheila's purpose and value at the beginning did not surpass her physical value.
• silenced and infantile treatment


  her silencing is noticeable in Act 1 as her speech is short and simplistic such as "yes go on mummy" and "you're squiffy"

  Her lack of voice could be utilised by Priestley to critique the lack of political voice women had in the Edwardian Era

  Her language is very simplistic for a woman of the middle class who is in their early twenties.

  Her language remains infantile and childlike as she refers to her mum as " mummy" showing she has been sheltered from the real hardship of life, resulting in her being preserved in this infantile manner