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GCSE English: Sheila Birling Quotes and Analysis for Grade 9

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GCSE English literature An Inspector Calls Grade 8/9 quote analysis- Shiela

2,471

3 Jul 2025

1 page

GCSE English: Sheila Birling Quotes and Analysis for Grade 9

R

Rafi

@raf1

An Inspector Calls: Sheila Birling's Character Analysis and Key... Show more

Shiela
"But those girls aren't cheap labour - they're
people"
Makes the girls seem like a tool for the
upper class
Girls - plural. No indivi

Sheila Birling's Transformation and Key Quotes

Sheila Birling quotes and analysis reveal her journey from a privileged young woman to a socially conscious individual. Her character development is crucial to understanding the play's themes of responsibility and social justice.

Quote: "But those girls aren't cheap labour - they're people"

This statement demonstrates Sheila's growing awareness of class inequality. She recognizes the humanity of working-class individuals, challenging the prevailing attitudes of her time.

Highlight: Sheila is the first Birling family member to acknowledge the inherent value of all people, regardless of their social status.

Vocabulary: Cheap labour - Workers who are paid very little for their work, often exploited by employers.

Sheila's use of the plural "girls" initially reflects a lack of individual identity for working-class women. However, her assertion that they are "people" shows her emerging empathy and understanding.

Quote: "How could I know what would happen afterwards? If she'd been some miserable plain little creature, I don't suppose I'd have done it"

This quote reveals Sheila's internal struggle with guilt and her attempt to justify her actions. It showcases her initial class prejudices and the process of confronting her own biases.

Highlight: The use of the word "creature" to describe Eva Smith reflects the dehumanizing attitude of the upper class towards the working class.

Sheila's desperate tone in this quote indicates her growing realization that actions have consequences, setting her apart from her parents' more rigid attitudes.

Quote: "I'm to blame - and I'm desperately sorry - but I can't believe -I won't believe - it's simply my fault that in the end she - committed Suicide"

This statement marks a significant turning point in Sheila's character development. It shows her willingness to accept responsibility for her actions, unlike her parents.

Highlight: The fragmented speech pattern reflects Sheila's genuine emotional turmoil and the breakdown of her previously held beliefs.

The semantic field of culpability in this quote "blame,""sorry,""fault""blame," "sorry," "fault" underscores Sheila's growing sense of moral responsibility.

Example: Sheila's transformation represents the potential for societal change, as she begins to question and challenge the established class system.

Sheila Birling quotes and analysis Grade 9 often focus on her character arc as a representation of hope for social progress. Her ability to recognize her mistakes and express remorse sets her apart from the older generation in the play.

In conclusion, Sheila's character in "An Inspector Calls" serves as a powerful example of personal growth and social awakening. Her quotes provide insight into the changing attitudes of the younger generation and the possibility of a more equitable society.



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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

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.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

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

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

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.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

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

iOS user

 

English Literature

2,471

3 Jul 2025

1 page

GCSE English: Sheila Birling Quotes and Analysis for Grade 9

R

Rafi

@raf1

An Inspector Calls: Sheila Birling's Character Analysis and Key Quotes

J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls" presents Sheila Birlingas a complex character who undergoes significant transformation. This analysis explores Sheila's key quotes, her evolving perspective, and her... Show more

Shiela
"But those girls aren't cheap labour - they're
people"
Makes the girls seem like a tool for the
upper class
Girls - plural. No indivi

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Sheila Birling's Transformation and Key Quotes

Sheila Birling quotes and analysis reveal her journey from a privileged young woman to a socially conscious individual. Her character development is crucial to understanding the play's themes of responsibility and social justice.

Quote: "But those girls aren't cheap labour - they're people"

This statement demonstrates Sheila's growing awareness of class inequality. She recognizes the humanity of working-class individuals, challenging the prevailing attitudes of her time.

Highlight: Sheila is the first Birling family member to acknowledge the inherent value of all people, regardless of their social status.

Vocabulary: Cheap labour - Workers who are paid very little for their work, often exploited by employers.

Sheila's use of the plural "girls" initially reflects a lack of individual identity for working-class women. However, her assertion that they are "people" shows her emerging empathy and understanding.

Quote: "How could I know what would happen afterwards? If she'd been some miserable plain little creature, I don't suppose I'd have done it"

This quote reveals Sheila's internal struggle with guilt and her attempt to justify her actions. It showcases her initial class prejudices and the process of confronting her own biases.

Highlight: The use of the word "creature" to describe Eva Smith reflects the dehumanizing attitude of the upper class towards the working class.

Sheila's desperate tone in this quote indicates her growing realization that actions have consequences, setting her apart from her parents' more rigid attitudes.

Quote: "I'm to blame - and I'm desperately sorry - but I can't believe -I won't believe - it's simply my fault that in the end she - committed Suicide"

This statement marks a significant turning point in Sheila's character development. It shows her willingness to accept responsibility for her actions, unlike her parents.

Highlight: The fragmented speech pattern reflects Sheila's genuine emotional turmoil and the breakdown of her previously held beliefs.

The semantic field of culpability in this quote "blame,""sorry,""fault""blame," "sorry," "fault" underscores Sheila's growing sense of moral responsibility.

Example: Sheila's transformation represents the potential for societal change, as she begins to question and challenge the established class system.

Sheila Birling quotes and analysis Grade 9 often focus on her character arc as a representation of hope for social progress. Her ability to recognize her mistakes and express remorse sets her apart from the older generation in the play.

In conclusion, Sheila's character in "An Inspector Calls" serves as a powerful example of personal growth and social awakening. Her quotes provide insight into the changing attitudes of the younger generation and the possibility of a more equitable society.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

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.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

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

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

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.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

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

Android user

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

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

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

iOS user