Sheila

• Who is Sheila Burling in "An Inspector Calls"?

  A ray of hope among the characters
• How does Sheila respond to Inspector Goole's message?

  She takes responsibility for her actions
• What is ironic about Sheila's character?

  She cannot change anything despite understanding
• What societal context is important for Sheila's character?

  Women had no power in 1912
• What was Sheila's best chance for influence in society?

  To marry well
• How is Sheila introduced in the play?

  As a pretty girl excited about life
• What does Sheila's engagement to Gerald Croft signify?

  A transactional relationship for social gain
• How does Mr. Burling view Sheila's marriage to Gerald?

  As a way to further his own goals
• What does Sheila say when she receives her engagement ring?

  Now I really feel engaged
• What does Sheila's reaction to Eva Smith's death reveal?

  Her empathy and connection to Eva
• How does Sheila's character evolve during the play?

  She becomes more aware of social responsibility
• What does Sheila call out her father for?

  Treating employees as cheap labor
• What does Sheila admit about her role in Eva's demise?

  She had Eva fired out of jealousy
• How does Sheila view her own beauty in relation to Eva's situation?

  She believes beauty can secure her future
• What realization does Sheila come to about class differences?

  Her beauty is an advantage, Eva's is a disadvantage
• How does Sheila respond to the inspector's authority?

  She accepts it and learns from it
• What does Sheila do after the inspector's questioning?

  She helps interrogate other characters
• What does Sheila say to her mother about the inspector?

  Not to build a wall between them and Eva
• How does Sheila's transformation become clear after the inspector leaves?

  She challenges her family's denial of responsibility
• What does Sheila say about the events of the night?

  They really happened and should not be ignored
• What does Sheila imply about her future with Gerald at the end?

  She may take him back after consideration
• What does Gerald expect from Sheila after his affair?

  Gratitude for taking him back
• What does Sheila's final response to Gerald suggest about her character?

  She is torn between old habits and new awareness
• What does Priestley suggest about women's power in society?

  Women need to fight for lasting change
• How does the play reflect the societal changes for women post-World War II?

  Women gained more power and rights
• What does Sheila's character represent in the context of the play?

  A voice for social responsibility and change
• What does Sheila's character struggle with at the end of the play?

  Her powerlessness to effect change
• What is the significance of Sheila's final decision regarding Gerald?

  It reflects her internal conflict and societal pressures
• How does Priestley use Sheila to communicate with his audience?

  Through her understanding of social issues