Sheila and changing attitudes toward gender and class in 'An Inspector Calls' | English

Starter quiz

Starting with the first, put the plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in chronological order. They are all focused on the character of Sheila.

1

⇔

Sheila is engaged to Gerald Croft at the start of the play.

2

⇔

Sheila is upset when the Inspector arrives and starts questioning the family.

3

⇔

Sheila reveals her role in getting Eva Smith fired from the department store.

4

⇔

Sheila learns of Gerald's affair with Eva Smith and feels betrayed.

5

⇔

Sheila takes responsibility for her actions and questions her parents.

6

⇔

Sheila becomes more self-aware, symbolising hope for generational change.
In 'An Inspector Calls', which words are used to describe Sheila in the stage directions of Act 1?

"shy"

"superior"

"pleased" ✓

"pretty" ✓

"excited" ✓
In 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila begs her mother not to put up a "wall" between them and the Inspector. What technique is Priestley using here?

hyperbole

simile

metaphor ✓

alliteration
Is the answer true or false? In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila says she "respects" Gerald.

'true' ✓
In 'An Inspector Calls', how does Sheila’s relationship with her parents change throughout the play?

She becomes increasingly supportive of their views.

She begins to openly challenge their attitudes and actions. ✓

She distances herself completely from them.

She takes responsibility for their mistakes.
In 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector says that young ones are more...

"challenging"

"optimistic"

"impressionable" ✓

"difficult"

Exit quiz

Which word beginning with 'i' can be used to describe the way Sheila is treated like a child in 'An Inspector Calls'?

'infantilise' ✓
At the start of 'An Inspector Calls' Sheila could be described as entitled. This can be described as:

believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment ✓

behaviour in which you refuse to obey someone or something

showing compassion and understanding toward others

being overly critical of societal norms and expectation
In 'An Inspector Calls' Mrs Birling infantilises Sheila by calling her a child and describes her behaviour as:

unnecessary

unrestriained

hysterical ✓

unprovoked
In 'An Inspector Calls', why does Sheila return her engagement ring to Gerald?

She no longer loves him.

She refuses to ignore his infidelity and wants to rethink their relationship. ✓

She plans to marry someone else.

She blames him entirely for Eva Smith’s death.
Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls' Sheila and Eva both face similar consequences after challenging authority.

'false' ✓
Select two statements that agree with this comment: In 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila’s growth challenges power and status but fails to drive broader change.

Sheila’s defiance suggests younger generations can drive societal change.

Sheila’s growth shows personal change but does not challenge societal structures ✓

Priestley highlights how class and gender norms remain unchanged despite Sheila. ✓

Priestley shows how individual growth can inspire reform in society.

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

Priestley initially presents Sheila as naive and entitled.
Other characters infantilise Sheila and try to protect her from the truth
The treatment of Sheila conforms to the gender expectations of Edwardian society.
Sheila's journey in the play leads her to challenge and defy societal expectations.
Sheila arguably begins to subvert the traditional expectations of class and gender by the end of the play.

Common misconception

Sheila’s transformation at the end of the play is entirely optimistic, showing that she has completely embraced responsibility and will lead a future free from societal inequality.

While Sheila's growth is significant, her awareness is limited and she’s still part of the system she criticises. Priestley uses her character to show potential for change, but also highlights the ongoing challenges of inequality.

Keywords

Infantilise - treat (someone) like a child or in a way which denies their maturity in age or experience
Entitled - believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment
Defiance - behaviour in which you refuse to obey someone or something
Optimism - the quality of being full of hope and emphasising the good parts of a situation
Subvert - the act of challenging or going against a stereotype or convention