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At the beginning of An Inspector Calls, Sheila is presented as the nave and immature. This can be seen by references to her father, and mother, using the personal pronouns "Mummy" and "Daddy" "I'm sorry daddy, actually I was listening" This serves to emphasize her childish nature and lack of responsibility. Additionally, stage directions, such as "gaily", and "half-playful" suggest Sheila's initial personality to be carefree. However, as the play advances, and her maturity increases, a change can be seen in her manner of speech; she begins to refer to her parents as "Mother", possibly illustrating her change in nature, or a new lack of respect for her: "Mother- stop- stop!'
Consequently, one of Sheila's most expletive scenes, showing the depth of her development is when she confronts Gerald about his affair.
As we have been influenced by Priestley's presentation of her, we expect Sheila to demonstrate a childish 'vain' reaction. However, Priestley places an emphasis on her change by demonstrating her ability to make a mature, adult-like response; "In some odd way, I rather respect you" Here Sheila illustrates how she has learned from the Inspector's lessons, and therefore, does not adopt aggressive methods to harm Gerald.
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Rather, Priestley conveys the benefits of socialism and lack of division; as due to her morality, and his honesty, there has been a positive outcome: She respects him "more than ever before"
At the beginning of the play, Sheila is presented as the average submissive, "loving", the stereotypical woman of that time.
This can be seen by her reaction to Gerald's engagement ring, "Oh- You've got it- is it the one you wanted me to have?" Priestley's use of the pronoun "you" highlights the sexist stereotypical notion that women were the property of men, as she had no say as to what ring she would receive; Gerald chose on her behalf. However, later in the play, Sheila is shown to become more independent in her decisions, emphasized by her refusal to leave the room, though her "Mummy" argues she is "Looking tired" and her "Daddy" asks her to "run along" Her repeated refusal signifies her acceptance of responsibility; she no longer wishes for her parents to settle things "sensibly" for her.
Additionally, she rejects her father, and Gerald attempts to continue shielding her from conflict, and thus reality; by saying "It can't be any worse than it has been. And it might be better." This demonstrates her desire to learn, experience and adopt new changes, as she no longer wants to be dictated to by others, simply due to status, or sex; and thus, she has adopted a far more opinionated manner. Significantly, this change reflects in her response to Gerald's infidelity; she "respects him more than ever before" because of his honesty; thus indicating she holds morality to be of more importance than simply being "pretty", and also showing, she has begun to judge people for their nature, rather than their superficial looks, or rank in society.
Sheila shows the extent if her transformation, by her response during and after the Inspectors visit. For example, her first reaction to her father's wrongdoing, "these girls aren't cheap labor- they're people" can be interpreted as an exaggerated, false response. However, following the inspector's departure, she proves her regret, and demonstrates her conscience, as she is able to admit she is wrong and wishes to make them stop there "silly pretenses". Priestley shows her potential for change, by illustrating how she adopts more sympathetic responses to others and expresses her utter guilt and regret, "I'll never, never do it again to anybody." Significantly, Priestley's use of the two-word phrase "anybody" signifies her change in attitude: She is no longer bound by the class division imposed by capitalist ventures.
Additionally, Sheila demonstrates how she has changed from the frivolous, vain child who valued being 'pretty' over morality and justice; to a young woman, who is empathetic and kind: someone who wholeheartedly follows the inspectors (and thus Priestley's) message of being "one body". This can be seen by her willingness to forgive Gerald for his infidelity, as he cared for, and brought happiness to Eva. The fact that she does this, though the affair had hurt her, conveys her change from a selfish girl with a "nasty temper" to a woman who could be selfless for others. In many ways, Priestley uses Sheila to communicate how socialism and the abolishment of class division would benefit others.
Change in Sheila's personality can also be seen by her change in speech: at the start of the play, she focuses on herself "me", "I" However, as the plot traverses. Her speech alters, reflecting her change, and her conversion from capitalism, to socialism. For example, Sheila begins to utilize regal pronouns such as "we" and "us". This also mirrors her change in attitude, as she now cares for others as if they were "one body" and "responsible for each other"
The moment in which Sheila returns Gerald's engagement ring symbolizes the pinnacle of her change, she is no longer the meek submissive woman, who lacked all responsibility, and held Gerald in reverence. Significantly, her choice of words In reply to Gerald's urges to get back together, "Not yet. It's too soon." Reflect the inspector's careful manner, and process, of looking at each of them "carefully". This communicates to the audience how she is no longer the stereotypical woman of the 1912 era and is now someone who accepts responsibility for her own wrongdoings, and her role in the "chain of events"
Finally, Sheila's shifting attitude is also reflected by how she is portrayed by Priestley; as she begins to be portrayed as the ideal figure, reflecting the ideals of Priestley, asking interrogatory questions "But that won't bring Eva beck to life will it?" and contradicting her mother, "No, because I remember what he said". Significantly, at times, her resemblance to the inspector, supporting his criticism of other characters, and becoming Priestley's mouthpiece, can be perceived as unrealistic. This is because Sheila's manner becomes didactic; making her a character the audience lack sympathy for: Her change occurs far too rapidly and thus to an audience can be seen as extremely unlikely.
"An Inspector Calls" - Sheila's Analysis. (2019, Dec 08). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/an-inspector-calls-sheilas-analysis-essay
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