Sheila Birling

• But these girls aren't cheap labour-they're people- A1


  Themes of Capitalism v Socialism

  The syntax of 'labour' before 'people' in a sentence is significant. It reflects how Sheila has come to understand that capitalists often view individuals based on the 'labour' they provide, rather than their inherent value as human beings. The hyphen that precedes 'labour' underscores Sheila's disgust at how the lower classes are dehumanized. The use of the conjunction 'but' shows Sheila interrupting her father's attempt to justify the endless exploitation of workers.
• You musn't try to build a kind of wall between us and that girl, if you do, the Inspector will just break it down- A2


  Themes of Capitalism V Socialism

  The metaphor of a "wall" illustrates the severity of the divide, suggesting that there was a physical barrier that kept the lower classes in poverty. The term "girl" implies vulnerability, making them realize that they have been oblivious to the vulnerability that they have created for Eva. The brutal verb "break" replicates the harsh and stark awakening they will continue to face if they neglect their responsibility endlessly.
• But that won't bring Eva Smith back to life, will it? - A3


  Themes of Capitalism v Socialism

  The usage of the rhetorical question shows she is questioning her father's infatuation with money and materialistic items; by critiquing him, she is critiquing and questioning Capitalism as a whole. The conjunction on but shows she is interjecting in Mr Birling's distorted priorities; he cares more for the money stolen, than the life stolen.
• “I felt rotten about it at the time” - A1


  Themes of Guilt/Responsibility

  Priestley's choice to use the word "rotten" in an informal manner shows that Sheila lacks maturity in her vocabulary. However, despite this, she displays regret for her actions, acknowledging that what she did was wrong. This can be interpreted as Priestley's way of conveying the message that the level of social responsibility a person feels is directly proportional to their level of maturity, rather than the formality of their vocabulary.
• (rather wildly, with laugh) No, he's giving us the rope - so that we'll hang ourselves. - A2


  Themes of Guilt

  In this quote, the word '(wildly)' highlights Sheila's disillusionment with the ideas of capitalism. Using the metaphor of a rope, the author implies that the consequences of their actions are intertwined with their guilt, which they collectively share. The repeated motif of death further emphasizes the destructive nature of capitalism, which is evident in how it ravaged the life of Eva Smith.
• Look-Mummy- isn't it a beauty? - A1


  Themes of Gender

  The overuse of hyphens in her speech fragments her sentences and reflects her lack of assertiveness. The question mark signifies her desire for validation and reassurance based solely on external appearance. Her use of the word "mummy" reinforces that she has been sheltered from the real hardships of life, resulting in her being preserved in this infantile manner and being prohibited from seeing the belligerent world.
• What he made me feel. Fire and blood and anguish - A3


  Themes of Social Responsibility/Guilt

  Sheila serves as his proxy, exemplified by her precise emulation of the polsyndeton on 'and' - she attempts to emphasise the eternal consequences of lacking a social conscience. Sheila is now a moral compass to her family, showcasing her evolution towards empathy as her use of the personal pronoun 'me' shows she now experiences genuine remorse. Her awareness extends beyond personal remorse, she has developed an understanding of the systemic consequences of capitalist ideologies on society as a whole.
• 'Yes go on mummy' and 'You're squiffy'


  Themes of Gender

  In Act 1, the character's lack of voice is noticeable as she speaks in short and simple sentences. This is a reflection of how she represents the marginalized position of women during the Edwardian Era. Priestley may have used this character to criticize the lack of political agency that women had during that time.
• Now I really feel engaged - A1


  Themes of Capitalism/Materialism

  In the play, Sheila's materialistic nature is evident through her insistence on a physical symbol of her engagement, a ring. Through the engagement, Sheila matures and understands the true value of her relationship. By returning the ring to Gerald at the end of the play, she symbolizes her growth..
• Pretty? - A1

  Themes of Social class

  Sheila's initial response to Eva's death was to question her beauty, suggesting that Sheila's grief was greater because Eva was pretty. This highlights Sheila's flawed worldview, where the value of someone's life is tied to their appearance. This idea extends to social classes, as the wealthy can enhance their beauty with better clothing and makeup. Therefore, Sheila's evaluation of people suggests that the upper classes are more valuable than the lower ones. Priestley's intention is to create a negative perception of Sheila, portraying her as shallow.
• You don't seem to have learned anything.


  Themes of O v Y and Social Responsibility

  Here, Sheila admits that the Inspector's investigation was intended to provide a moral lesson. Priestley uses this to show the elder generation as unyielding and unwilling to modify their attitude towards accountability.