The Importance of Sheila in ‘An Inspector Calls’
An Inspector Calls, written by J.B Priestley in 1945, is a morality play that denounces capitalism and argues that social justice can be achieved if everyone takes responsibility for his actions. The drama also illustrates the clear division between class, the role of women in 1912 and gender equality. - Make sure that these are still relevant. Sheila Birling, one of the major characters acts as a device used by Priestley to convey his message about the importance of social responsibility which is the overarching theme of the play. Socialism was extremely important to Priestley because he became very concerned about the consequences of social inequality in Britain. Priestley was so committed …show more content…
After Mrs. Birling tells the Inspector that he is having a huge impact on Sheila’s behaviour, the inspector replies, “we often do, they are more impressionable.” This suggests that the younger generation are more open to change and responsibility. Sheila and Eric are part of the younger generation; and although they may be less knowledgeable due to their age, they are the only two characters in the drama who accept their negligent behaviour. Perhaps Priestley wants the audience to recognise that by teaching their children to have a social conscience, the standard of life will be improved across all social classes. Furthermore, Mr. Birling is conveyed as an egotistical individual; he only cares about his own well being. This is apparent when he does not hesitate about firing Eva Smith. Sheila is hurt by …show more content…
The female characters are portrayed as being delicate; especially Sheila, whom the men try to shelter from Eva Smith’s suicide. This is because men were believed to be superior, whilst women were only seen as housewives. “But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they're people." When Sheila realises the social inequality and ignorance in the world around her she becomes more solicitous of the working woman and changes the way she interacts with those less fortunate than her. She finally notices that the upper-class attitude towards the lower class is inhumane.
At the end of the play, Sheila’s character is presented as a strong individual who has matured. When Sheila warns her family that the Inspector is “giving us rope so that we hang ourselves”. She uses a metaphor to create a visual image. Furthermore, her language becomes bolder, she uses sarcasm and irony. “I suppose we are all nice people now”. The use of irony represents the tension between the changing younger generation, and the conservative older generation. Sheila shows the audience that she has matured considerably by bravely taking responsibility for the part she played in Eva Smith’s
An Inspector Calls, written by J.B Priestley in 1945, is a morality play that denounces capitalism and argues that social justice can be achieved if everyone takes responsibility for his actions. The drama also illustrates the clear division between class, the role of women in 1912 and gender equality. - Make sure that these are still relevant. Sheila Birling, one of the major characters acts as a device used by Priestley to convey his message about the importance of social responsibility which is the overarching theme of the play. Socialism was extremely important to Priestley because he became very concerned about the consequences of social inequality in Britain. Priestley was so committed …show more content…
After Mrs. Birling tells the Inspector that he is having a huge impact on Sheila’s behaviour, the inspector replies, “we often do, they are more impressionable.” This suggests that the younger generation are more open to change and responsibility. Sheila and Eric are part of the younger generation; and although they may be less knowledgeable due to their age, they are the only two characters in the drama who accept their negligent behaviour. Perhaps Priestley wants the audience to recognise that by teaching their children to have a social conscience, the standard of life will be improved across all social classes. Furthermore, Mr. Birling is conveyed as an egotistical individual; he only cares about his own well being. This is apparent when he does not hesitate about firing Eva Smith. Sheila is hurt by …show more content…
The female characters are portrayed as being delicate; especially Sheila, whom the men try to shelter from Eva Smith’s suicide. This is because men were believed to be superior, whilst women were only seen as housewives. “But these girls aren’t cheap labour - they're people." When Sheila realises the social inequality and ignorance in the world around her she becomes more solicitous of the working woman and changes the way she interacts with those less fortunate than her. She finally notices that the upper-class attitude towards the lower class is inhumane.
At the end of the play, Sheila’s character is presented as a strong individual who has matured. When Sheila warns her family that the Inspector is “giving us rope so that we hang ourselves”. She uses a metaphor to create a visual image. Furthermore, her language becomes bolder, she uses sarcasm and irony. “I suppose we are all nice people now”. The use of irony represents the tension between the changing younger generation, and the conservative older generation. Sheila shows the audience that she has matured considerably by bravely taking responsibility for the part she played in Eva Smith’s