Sheila Birling is a character in J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls." She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Birling and the sister of Eric Birling. Sheila is portrayed as a young, naive, and somewhat superficial girl who is eager to please her parents and conform to societal expectations.
At the beginning of the play, Sheila is engaged to Gerald Croft, the son of a wealthy industrialist. She is excited about the prospect of getting married and moving up in social status, but her happiness is short-lived when the Inspector arrives to investigate the death of a young woman named Eva Smith.
As the Inspector interrogates the family, Sheila becomes increasingly uneasy and distressed. She is the first to admit to her involvement in Eva's death, confessing that she had her fired from her job at the mill because she was jealous of her relationship with Gerald. Sheila is deeply remorseful for her actions and feels a sense of guilt and responsibility for Eva's death.
Throughout the play, Sheila's character undergoes a significant transformation. She becomes more compassionate and empathetic, and begins to question the values and beliefs of her parents and society. She stands up to her father when he tries to dismiss the Inspector and protect his own reputation, and she becomes the voice of conscience within the family.
In contrast to her superficial and selfish behavior at the beginning of the play, Sheila becomes a more mature and responsible young woman by the end. She recognizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and the need to treat others with kindness and respect.
In conclusion, Sheila Birling is a complex and dynamic character in "An Inspector Calls." Through her experiences and interactions with the Inspector, she learns valuable lessons about the consequences of her actions and the importance of compassion and responsibility.
Shelia Birlings Character throughout the Entirety of the Play ‘An Inspector Calls’
Sheila: No, because I remember what he said, how he looked, and what he made me feel. Eric is standing just inside the room and the others are staring at him. Oh — let's admit that. Priestley in 1945, revolves around an investigation about a working-class girl who has committed suicide due to the Capitalist nature of society. Mrs Birling: He certainly didn't make me confess — as you call it. As we begin to break the speech down into more detail, we notice that there is a selfish tone is present throughout.
An Inspector calls
Birling, the only active one, hears the front door slam, moves hesitatingly towards the door, stops, looks gloomily at the other three, then pours himself out a drink, which he hastily swallows. Eric: miserably could I have a drink first? Sheila is still quietly crying. And it oughtn't to you, either. Gerald: But is it a fact? Eric: I suppose — about fifty pounds all told. You turned the girl out of one job, and I had her turned out of another. You're beginning to pretend now that nothing's really happened at all. This girl killed herself — and died a horrible death.
Sheila Birling in An Inspector Calls
Eric: Yes, though that time I wasn't so bad. We'd have to start all over again, getting to know each other. Due to her discussing her feelings, her relationship with her parents begins to get damaged. Look, you'd better ask Gerald for that ring you gave back to him, hadn't you? B Priestley, the use of morality and double standards gives us an insight into the society of the early 1900s; which remains relevant in social stratification, cultural and deviance aspects. That fellow obviously didn't like us. You're anything but all right.
The Transformation of Sheila as Illustrated in an Inspector Calls: [Essay Example], 790 words GradesFixer
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Eric is brooding desperately. She continuously opposes her parents showing her independence. Inspector: But you took her home again? How could you have paid it back? And I couldn't remember her name or where she lived. Had I better go? And it was my fault really that she was so desperate when you first met her. Sheila: But, Mother, don't forget that he showed you a photograph of the girl before that, and you obviously recognized it. Gerald believes that Goole is not a police inspector, that the family may not all be referring to the same woman, and that there may not be a body. At the start of the play she is celebrating her engagement to Gerald Croft and she is a giddy, naïve and childish young lady.
