Sheila's transformation

GCSE · English Literature · AQA · P2.A.IC — *An Inspector Calls* (J. B. Priestley) — social responsibility, class, gender, time; the Birling family; Inspector Goole; cyclical structure and the final phone call

Question

How does Priestley present Sheila Birling? (30 marks)

Mark scheme guidance:

AO2: opening "playful" stage direction — naive engagement-party girl; "These girls aren't cheap labour — they're people" (Act 3) — moral awakening.
Speaks more directly as the play progresses; takes on Priestley's voice.
Relationship with Gerald — returns ring; rejects pre-engagement role.
Generational hope — "we don't belong" to the old morality.
Context: 1912 setting (no vote, dependent femininity); 1945 audience (post-war agency for women); Priestley invests political hope in Sheila's generation.

30 marks · take your time before peeking.

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Generated by TopMyGrade AI · cross-check official sources before relying on the mark-scheme phrasing.