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Sheila Birling: Quotes and Analysis from An Inspector Calls

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Abbie Scott

18/02/2023

English Literature

An inspector calls- Sheila birling

Sheila Birling: Quotes and Analysis from An Inspector Calls

Sheila Birling: A Character Analysis of Growth and Responsibility in An Inspector Calls

Sheila Birling's character arc in "An Inspector Calls" exemplifies the transformation from naive privilege to social consciousness:

  • Initially portrayed as sheltered and infantilized by her parents
  • Undergoes significant character development, embracing responsibility
  • Represents the younger generation's capacity for change and moral growth
  • Contrasts sharply with the older generation's rigid attitudes
  • Embodies Priestley's message about social responsibility and gender roles
...

18/02/2023

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English Literature

5,793

18 Feb 2023

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Sheila Birling: Quotes and Analysis from An Inspector Calls

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Abbie Scott

@abbiescott0102

Sheila Birling: A Character Analysis of Growth and Responsibility in An Inspector Calls

Sheila Birling's character arc in "An Inspector Calls" exemplifies the transformation from naive privilege to social consciousness:

  • Initially portrayed as sheltered and infantilized by her parents
  • Undergoes... Show more

Priestley's
message-
Nomen have the
power to domany
things including
taking responsibity
Babied by<"mummy" "You'll have
her parents "daddy"

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Sheila Birling's Character Evolution

Sheila Birling's character in "An Inspector Calls" undergoes a profound transformation, serving as a key vehicle for Priestley's social commentary. Initially presented as a product of her privileged upbringing, Sheila evolves from a naive, sheltered young woman to a socially conscious individual who embraces responsibility for her actions.

Quote: "You'll have to get used to that"

This quote, likely from her parents, illustrates the infantilization of Sheila at the beginning of the play. She is referred to as "mummy" and "daddy's" girl, indicating her sheltered existence.

Highlight: Sheila's initial reaction to the Inspector's revelations is telling: "Oh - how horrible!"

This exclamation showcases her initial shock and naivety when confronted with the harsh realities of working-class life.

Sheila's character arc is central to understanding how Priestley presents the theme of responsibility in "An Inspector Calls". Unlike her parents and Gerald, Sheila demonstrates a capacity for genuine change and self-reflection.

Quote: "It was my own fault" and "I behaved badly too"

These statements highlight Sheila's willingness to accept responsibility for her actions, setting her apart from the older generation's reluctance to do so.

The symbolism of the engagement ring plays a crucial role in Sheila's character development. Initially a symbol of her materialistic values and the superficial nature of her engagement to Gerald, Sheila's act of returning the ring signifies her growth and rejection of these shallow principles.

Example: Sheila's questioning of Gerald about Eva Smith "Wasshepretty?""Was she pretty?" reveals both her initial jealousy and her growing suspicion of Gerald's infidelity.

Priestley uses Sheila's character to explore themes of gender roles and social class in Edwardian England. Her initial acceptance of her role as a wealthy man's wife gives way to a more critical view of society's treatment of women and the working class.

Quote: "We are not the same people that sat down tonight"

This powerful statement from Sheila in Act 3 encapsulates her transformation and her understanding that the events of the evening have irrevocably changed them all.

In conclusion, Sheila Birling's character analysis reveals her as the embodiment of hope for social change in "An Inspector Calls". Her journey from a sheltered, privileged young woman to a socially conscious individual who takes responsibility for her actions serves as a stark contrast to the older generation's rigid attitudes, ultimately reinforcing Priestley's message about the need for social responsibility and the potential for positive change in society.

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Basil

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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