THEMES!!

• The themes linked to the character of SHEILA:


  • INEQUALITY/EQUALITY
  • LOVE & MARRIAGE
  • PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
• INEQUALITY/EQUALITY:


  "These girls aren't cheap labour, they're people." - challenging Mr B's views and opinions about work ethics.

  • Sheila challenges Mrs B as she is the social superior [towards the end] as she disregards her responsibility to Eva - implies a sense that upper class people hold high level of immorality compared to working class
  • Sheila also highlights the inequality between how women were treated depending on their class.

  E.G. SHEILA = Spoilt and privileged, Whereas, EVA = uncared for, exploited
• PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Sheila accepts that she was wrong almost immediately and accepts responsibility - Illustrates her morality and socialism.
  • Priestley emphasises her sense of guilt by using repetition of pronoun "I" and short telegraphic sentences - indicating her certainty.
  • Sheila is the most sympathetic character in the allegorical play - she teaches the audience the importance in taking responsibility.
• LOVE & MARRIAGE:

  • Sheila views love and marriage as faithful, loyal and romantic.
  • For example, the play begins with celebrations of Sheila's & Gerald's engagement.

  STAGE DIRECTIONS> 'The lighting was "warm" and "intimate"'

  • this emphasises that it is a joyous occasion - initially deep in love.