Sheila Birling

• Sheila Birling


  Sheila Birling, initially described as giddy and childish, matures in the play after realizing her role in Eva Smith's death. Sheila, engaged to Gerald Croft and daughter of Arthur and Sybil Birling, realizes the importance of The Inspector's message. Sheila is the daughter of Arthur and Eric Birling and is engaged to Gerald Croft.

  
• Sheila's Character Development

  • She learns her lesson. She takes responsibility and changes; she also tries to encourage the members of her family to do the same.
  • Sheila Birling, along with her generation, is the most open to changing attitudes on society and wealth.
• Priestley's Message

  • She represents (with Eric) the younger generation – Priestley saw them as ‘more impressionable’ – after all, they were the future.
  • She gives the audience hope that their society can improve if people make changes and take responsibility.
• ‘Oh-its wonderful! Look- Mummy- isn’t it a beauty?
• ‘I’m sorry, Daddy [Mr Birling]. Actually I was listening’
• 'But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.'
• 'No, not really it was my own fault.'
• 'I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry'
• ‘Mother, I think that was cruel and vile’