An Inspector Calls Character Analysis

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  • Sheila
    • An Inspector Calls Character Analysis
      • Gerald
        • When he first heard of the news, he didn't want any part of this "suicide business"; Suicide was looked heavily down upon by society in an era where religion was a foundation of moral.
        • Suspiciously enough, Gerald just "gives the case to her", suggesting that instead of proposing properly, he hopes to ward off her suspicions. This relationship is built on opportunity, not love.
        • When he patronises Sheila in attempting to convince her "everything's all right now", Sheila does not immediately take him back, showing how the experience has made her more independant and she is no longer totally controlled by male figures in her life.
      • Mr Birling
        • He undermines his own daughter next to gerald, who is "pretty fortunate".
        • He is the caricature of a Capitalist, and an incredibly ruthless man. Possibly Machiavellian.
        • His knighthood will be given and lected by a community, however he refers to community as "nonsense", therefore he does not portray the ideal recipient of the award.
          • "She had to go" presents such a casual perspective, almost as if her life did not depend on her job. He clearly has no regard for what a "hard-working girl" she was, as her contribution has no factor in his decision.
        • "rather provincial in his speech" highlights the differences between him and Gerald. Birling has had to rely on the money he makes, as opposed to Gerald's upbringing, where he had an allowance and riches to rely on (mum and Dad)
      • Mrs Birling
        • Just like her daughter, she overreacted toward Eva/ Daisy, making her situation even worse.
        • The woman find Goole a "triple impertinent", showing she is used to Inspectors and members of society giving her special treatment.
        • Eventually, Mrs B.'s speech becomes more broken down. Her son's drinking habits become a cause for concern, and she is reluctant to exopse an insecurity in hte family for their reputation. She is no longer so self-assured.
        • "Girls of that class"- Mrs B. has no respect for the younger generation, certainly not for the less advantaged. She is adamant that old is good, and that there is no possible similarity between different classes. It is ironic that she owns a charity helping 'Smiths'.
        • A "cold" character, Mrs Birling is actually Mr Birling's superior, and exhibits the exact example of a woman of her class and era.
        • She in fact, owns a charity for her repuation's sake. The way she comments on Eva/ Daisy's class shows contempt for the less fortunate,a nd how absurd it is that she was involved with the Birlings so closely.
      • Eric
        • Eric is the outsider of the play, "seated downstage"adn getting "squiffy" at such an important meal.
          • His half shy, half assertive nature in the play suggests that he is an introverteed character who receives little attention next to Sheila, who is earning the family status. The younger generation seem to have more layers to their characters.
    • Women of the era were expected to become obedient and delicate. She should have been participating in the genre of affairs her mother was involved in.
    • Sheila does not seem to have accustomed herself to fit society's standards, as she uses slang: "squiffy" and takes the ring from Gerald.
    • At the start, she is presented as a materialistic, vain childish figure who now "really feels married", however this shifts towards the end when she realises her responsibility and judges her family in turn ("that's all?")
      • When he patronises Sheila in attempting to convince her "everything's all right now", Sheila does not immediately take him back, showing how the experience has made her more independant and she is no longer totally controlled by male figures in her life.
  • Sheila uses her influence and power as a valued customer to punish Eva.
    • She is a product of her own environment, however her growth outshines her parents in the play.
  • Priestley presents a common felling of guilt that we portray as humans when we know or actions have serious consequences
    • Gerald is the bridge between the elders and younger generation. He seems genuinely sad when he makes sense of his fault, however this flips by the end where he is perhaps unaffected after all.
  • The "absolutely unsinkable" Titanic presents how heavy his pride was seated, and how quickly his reputation was demolished by careless acts rippling through the Birling family.
    • The dramatic irony of his opinions insinuates that Priestley intends for the audience to think of him as the idiot of the play, a sense of comic relief as he is so big-headed and "pompous" in his manner.
      • Mr Birling
        • He undermines his own daughter next to gerald, who is "pretty fortunate".
        • He is the caricature of a Capitalist, and an incredibly ruthless man. Possibly Machiavellian.
        • His knighthood will be given and lected by a community, however he refers to community as "nonsense", therefore he does not portray the ideal recipient of the award.
          • "She had to go" presents such a casual perspective, almost as if her life did not depend on her job. He clearly has no regard for what a "hard-working girl" she was, as her contribution has no factor in his decision.
        • "rather provincial in his speech" highlights the differences between him and Gerald. Birling has had to rely on the money he makes, as opposed to Gerald's upbringing, where he had an allowance and riches to rely on (mum and Dad)

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