Responsibility

Responsibility

Sheila

Sheila claims full responsibility for all her actions – “I know I’m to blame”

Sheila Shows genuine concern for Eva Smith and understands the Inspector’s message – She forms a contrast to her narrow minded materialistic

Priestley uses Sheila, along with Eric as a symbol to represent the younger generation and socialism.

Sheila gives the audience hope that their society can improve if people take responsibility for the impact of their actions. You could also argue that Sheila comes to reflect new ideas about gender equality, connected to the suffragette period – she challenges the outdated attitude of her father, mother and Gerald.

Recognises parent’s fault and failure to acknowledge their wrong doings “Its you two who are being childish – trying not to face the facts” – Role reversal. Strengths connections with Eric.

Deeply affected by death – experiences an anagnorisis, moving from capitalist to socialism.

By the end of the play Sheila has changed more than any other character – She understands Priestley/ Inspector’s message.

“(Miserably) so I’m really responsible?”

“Ill never do it again to anybody”

“You mustn’t try and built up a kind of wall between us and that girl” – Should be no separation between Eva and the Birlings

“I know I’m to blame”

“And it frightens me the way you talk”

Gerald

Technically a member of the younger generation yet holds the views of the older generation throughout.

Gerald was a complex character. On one hand you could argue that Gerald’s interaction with Eva/ Daisy was motivated by sympathy and genuine attraction.

He at least is honestly when discussing his attachment to her. However, he discarded Eva when it suited him. He is allied with Mr Birling, echoing his views on business and excitement and the Inspector isn’t a real police officer. He lets the audience down – we hoped he would change his attitude, but he doesn’t.

Priestley uses Gerald as a symbol to represent the selfish attitudes of the upper class. The fact that Gerald doesn’t change his attitude conveys how ingrained this attitude was in the aristocracy, and how difficult it was to change them.

“This may have all been nonsense” – Gerald is desperate to rid the Birlings and himself of responsibility. He risks failing his parents and the upper class because he has not preserved the way of the elite.

“Everything is alright now Sheila… What about this ring?”  - Ring symbolises capitalist union. Gerald clearly has not learnt his lesson although he shows remorse “I’m rather more upset by this than I probably appear to be” however he, like the Birlings, wants to forget his responsibility.

By the end of the play he hasn’t learn much.

“I don’t come into this suicide business”

“I’m rather more upset than this business than I probably appear to be”

“Had some affection for her and made her happy for a time” – Gerald

“That may have been all nonsense”

“There isn’t any such Inspector. We’ve been had”

“Everything…