Sheila Birling: A Character Study in Social Awakening
Priestley uses Sheila Birling's character development to critique the class system and promote social responsibility in "An Inspector Calls." As the play progresses, Sheila transforms from a privileged, naive young woman into a socially conscious individual, serving as a model for the audience.
Sheila's growing awareness is evident in her response to her father's capitalist rhetoric:
Quote: "These girls aren't cheap labour, they're people."
This statement demonstrates Sheila's recognition of the humanity in working-class individuals, challenging the dehumanizing attitudes of the upper class.
Sheila's character arc is marked by several key aspects:
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Personal Reflection: Sheila's ability to see herself in Eva Smith prevents her from dismissing Eva's suicide. This empathy sets her apart from other characters in the play.
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Moral Judge: Sheila becomes a moral compass as she admits her mistakes, contrasting with other characters who fail to do so.
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Maturity: As the play develops, Sheila gains maturity following her acknowledgment of her role in Eva's suicide. Her jealous instincts are replaced by a sense of responsibility and empathy.
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Hope for the Younger Generation: Priestley uses Sheila to demonstrate that there is hope for social change through the younger generation's ability to learn and grow.
Highlight: Sheila's transformation from a "pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life" to a socially conscious individual underscores Priestley's message about the potential for personal and societal change.
Priestley also uses Sheila's character to comment on the limited roles of women in 1912 society:
- Women were financially dependent on men
- A woman's social position was often determined by her relationship to men
- Women's value was largely based on their beauty and appearance
Example: Sheila's initial reaction to Eva's death is to question her own beauty, asking "Pretty?" This response highlights how deeply ingrained the importance of physical appearance was for women of her class and time.
The similarities between Sheila and Eva Smith serve to underscore the arbitrary nature of class distinctions:
- Both are described as pretty girls in their early twenties
- Both are initially blissfully ignorant of society's injustices
These parallels allow the audience to feel sympathy towards Sheila and understand that her initial immaturity is a product of her upbringing.
In conclusion, Sheila Birling's character in "An Inspector Calls" is a powerful tool used by Priestley to critique social class, promote responsibility, and demonstrate the potential for personal growth and societal change. Her journey from naive privilege to social consciousness serves as both a model and a challenge to the audience, encouraging them to examine their own roles in maintaining or challenging social inequalities.
