Sheila Birling - Character

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Which of the Seven Deadly Sins does Sheila represent?
Envy and Wrath (anger)
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How does Sheila represent envy?
Sheila is representative of envy because she is envious of Eva/Daisy's looks, and she was jealous that the dress "just suited her" and not herself. She is envious of her elegance in her dress.
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How does Sheila represent Wrath (anger)?
Sheila is angry that the dress suits her and not herself first of all. But also because she caught her smirking and laughing at her because she looked awful.
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Find at least two quotes that tell us that Sheila represents wrath (anger).
"I was in a furious temper" "I was absolutely furious" "in a fit of anger" "it just suited her" "I caught sight of this girl smiling..."
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Find at least two quoes that tell us that Sheila represents envy.
"it just suited her" "she was a very pretty girl" "jealous of her"
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How do we know Sheila is upset by the girl's suicide, even before she knows she had a part of it.
She is "rather distressed" by the business and thinks "it's a rotten shame".
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What does Sheila's reaction to the photograph tell us?
When she sees the photograph and recognises it, she "gives a half-stifled sob and then runs out". This tells us that she is truly upset by what's happened to the girl as a result. It aids the idea that she already accepts responsibilty.
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How does Sheila change throughout the play?
At the beginning of the play, Sheila is "pleased with life" and happy, but by the end of the play she understands her responsibility in society. She changes significantly.
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Find one quote to show that Sheila was like her father at the beginning of the play.
"You talk as if we were responsible--" "I couldn't be sorry for her."
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Find at least two quotes that show that Sheila is changed by the end of the play.
"don't let's start dodging and pretending now." "I feel a lot worse" "these girls aren't cheap labour they're people." "I'm ashamed of it...you're beginning all over again." "You're ready to go on in the same old way."
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How does Sheila become more assertive throughout the play?
As the play progresses Sheila's character develops and she begins to stand up for herself more. The change is clear. The events of the evening has made her have made her aware of the serious impact one's actions can have.
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How is Sheila insightful and intelligent?
Sheila sees things before the other characters can. She uses the metaphor of walls that the Inspector will knock down to show her insightful understanding of his methods. She knows that if they try to keep anything from him, it will make it worse.
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Find at least two quotes that show that Sheila is insightful.
"he knows. Of course he knows." "But don't you see--" "you're making it worse" "You mustn't try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl. If you do, then the Inspector will just break it down. And it'll be all the worse when he does."
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How does Sheila act childish at the beginning of the play?
She uses slang such as "squiffy" (meaning drunk), this shows that she is immature. And when Gerald gives her the ring she is very excited and says "Look Mummy - isn't it a beauty?"
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Find at least two quotes which tell us that Sheila is childish at the beginning of the play.
"very pleased with life and rather excited." "half playful, half serious" "You're squiffy!" "Don't be an ***, Eric" "Look Mummy,,,"
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How does Sheila feel socially responsible for her actions?
Sheila is shocked and upset when she finds out she was part of what lead Eva/Daisy to death - she is "rather distressed". She understands that she had a part in a chain of evens leading her to suicide. She takes responsibility and is honest.
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Find one quote which makes Sheila seem strong-minded.
"I don't believe I will. So you be careful."
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Find one quote which makes Sheila seem sharp.
"he's giving us the rope - so that we'll hang ourselves."
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Find one quote which makes Sheila seem selfish.
"you used the power you had...to punish the girl"
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Find one quote which makes Sheila seem moral.
"But these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people."
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How do we know Sheila has moral standards?
She acknowledges that she used her power to punish Eva Smith, and she regrets her actions. She is eager to learn from the consequences. Priestley uses her as a moral judge at the end of the play - she says "between us we killed her."
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Why does Priestley make Sheila seem childish at first?
Priestley makes Sheila seem childish, because it makes her involvement in Eva's downfall seem as a result of immaturity, making her easier to forgive.
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Why does Priestley give Sheila lots of intelligent and witty lines?
Priestley makes her seem sharp by giving her lots of intelligent lines. Sheila's wit lets her undermine the authority of the others.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How does Sheila represent envy?

Back

Sheila is representative of envy because she is envious of Eva/Daisy's looks, and she was jealous that the dress "just suited her" and not herself. She is envious of her elegance in her dress.

Card 3

Front

How does Sheila represent Wrath (anger)?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Find at least two quotes that tell us that Sheila represents wrath (anger).

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Find at least two quoes that tell us that Sheila represents envy.

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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Comments

Zabi123

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A bit repetitive but good. Could use with some more quotes

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