An Inspector Calls Sheila

An Inspector Calls Sheila Sheila Birling is one of the main characters in the play "An Inspector Calls" by J.B. Priestley. She is the daughter of Arthur and Sybil Birling and is engaged to Gerald Croft, the son of a wealthy industrialist.

An Inspector Calls Sheila

At the beginning of the play, Sheila is portrayed as a young, privileged woman from a wealthy family. However, as the play progresses and the Inspector arrives to investigate the suicide of Eva Smith, Sheila's character undergoes significant development.

Sheila initially appears naive and frivolous, focusing on her engagement and wedding plans. However, as the Inspector interrogates each family member about their involvement with Eva Smith, Sheila's involvement is revealed. She had encountered Eva Smith when she worked at Milward's, a clothing store, and had her fired for a trivial reason. Sheila is deeply remorseful when she realizes the consequences of her actions and the impact they had on Eva Smith's life.

Throughout the play, Sheila demonstrates a capacity for empathy and remorse. She is genuinely affected by the Inspector's revelations and is willing to accept responsibility for her actions. She becomes increasingly aware of the hypocrisy and callousness of her family members, particularly her father and mother, who refuse to accept their own role in Eva Smith's downfall.

By the end of the play, Sheila has matured and gained a social conscience. She expresses her views on social responsibility and the need for individuals to consider the welfare of others. She rejects her family's attempts to suppress the truth and urges them to acknowledge their collective responsibility for Eva Smith's death.

Overall, Sheila's character in "An Inspector Calls" undergoes a transformation from a privileged, ignorant young woman to an enlightened individual who recognizes the importance of empathy, social justice, and personal accountability.

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