Sheila Birling - Quotes

‘(laughs rather hysterically) why – you fool – he knows. Of course he knows.’

Stage directions + repetition - Sheila has gained power over Eric

(Sheila is a pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life and rather excited.)

Sheila has achieved the single goal of a women at her age in the early 1900s

‘But these girls aren't cheap labour – they're people.’

shows that she is more open-minded and a socialist

‘(miserably) So I’m really responsible?’

stage directions + question - show that Sheila accepts responsibility and feels guilty for her actions

‘Yes, go on, mummy. You must drink our health.’

Sheila begins the play as childish contrasting to how she is later presented in the play

‘I’m sorry, daddy. Actually I was listening. ‘

Childlike again

‘I behaved badly too. I know I did I'm ashamed of it.’

age divide shows difference in way of thinking

‘(rather wildly, with laugh) No, he's giving us the rope – so that we'll hang ourselves. ‘

metaphor + stage direction - Sheila affected by guilt and wants to see others face their guilt and own up to their actions