'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Sheila | English

Starter quiz

Which of these answers are true? In 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila is...

Gerald Croft's fiancé ✓

Mr. and Mrs. Birling's daughter ✓

mother to Eric and Sybil

Eric's sister ✓

Daisy Renton's cousin
In 'An Inspector Calls', what is the name of the department store where Eva Smith worked?

Milward's ✓

Milton's

Meggarty's
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"

"pretty" ✓

"pleased" ✓

"excited" ✓

"superior"
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? At the end of 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila is relieved that they can all going back to living their usual lives.

'False' ✓

Which of the following do not share etymological roots with the name 'Sheila'?

heavenly

moral ✓

blind-one

question

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

'True' ✓
Which word beginning with 'e' can be described as: 'gaining knowledge, understanding, or awareness, especially about important issues or truths.'?

'enlightened' ✓
In 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses emotive language to emphasise the emotional impact the Inspector has on Sheila. Which words can be found in the stage directions to describe Sheila?

"distressed" ✓

"frightened" ✓

"agitated" ✓

"confused"

"baffled"
In 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector says that young ones are more...

"challenging"

"impressionable" ✓

"optimistic"

"difficult"

"malleable"
How does Sheila's transformation throughout 'An Inspector Calls' reflect Priestley's views on social responsibility?

Sheila’s change is personal, with no broader societal impact.

Sheila’s growth shows how individual change can inspire social responsibility. ✓

Sheila rejects the Inspector’s views, showing no faith in social change.

Sheila’s transformation highlights the older generation’s stubbornness.

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Sheila’s journey in the play can be described as transformative.
The Inspector emotionally impacts Sheila and acknowledges she is “impressionable”.
Sheila aligns herself with the Inspector’s purpose and moral messages.
The younger generation being seen as a symbol of change and hope is a timeless idea.
Priestley uses Sheila, a member of the younger generation, to explore ideas around hope and optimism.

Sheila's transformation guarantees societal change.

While her growth is significant, it doesn't ensure broader social progress, as societal norms and traditions play a major role.

Transformative - causing a significant change or improvement in someone or something
Enlightened - gaining knowledge, understanding, or awareness, especially about important issues or truths
Optimism - the belief or attitude that things will turn out well, looking at the positive side of situations
Societal norms - the accepted rules, behaviors, and values that are considered normal or typical in a society or group
Moral - relating to principles of right and wrong behavior, or what is considered good or bad in society