Sheila Birling is one of the most complex and well-developed characters in J.B. Priestley's play An Inspector Calls. She is initially presented as a shallow and materialistic young woman, but she undergoes a significant transformation throughout the play as she comes to understand the consequences of her actions.
Priestley uses a variety of techniques to present Sheila's character, including stage directions, dialogue, and other characters' reactions to her. For example, in the opening stage directions, Sheila is described as a "pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life, and rather excited." This suggests that she is carefree and immature, and that she has not yet experienced the harsher realities of life.
Sheila's dialogue also reinforces her image as a spoiled and privileged young woman. For example, she tells her fiancé, Gerald Croft, that she wants a "big wedding with lots of people." This suggests that she is more concerned with appearances than with substance.
Other characters' reactions to Sheila also reveal her character. For example, her father, Arthur Birling, dismisses her concerns about Eva Smith, saying, "She was just a silly girl." This suggests that Sheila is seen as being less intelligent and capable than her brother, Eric.
However, as the play progresses, Sheila begins to show a different side of her character. She is the first of the Birlings to admit her guilt in Eva Smith's death, and she is also the first to understand the Inspector's message about social responsibility.
Sheila's transformation is most evident in her final speech in the play. She says, "We are members of one body. We are responsible for one another." This shows that she has come to understand that her actions have consequences for others and that she is committed to making a difference in the world.
Conclusion
Priestley presents Sheila Birling as a complex and well-developed character. She undergoes a significant transformation throughout the play as she comes to understand the consequences of her actions and the importance of social responsibility. Sheila is a symbol of hope for the future, and her transformation suggests that change is possible.
Here is an additional thought on Priestley's presentation of Sheila:
Priestley was a socialist playwright, and he believed that everyone had a responsibility to help others. Sheila's transformation at the end of the play can be seen as a reflection of Priestley's own beliefs. By showing Sheila's journey from selfishness to social responsibility, Priestley is encouraging his audience to do the same.
