treat (someone) like a child or in a way which denies their maturity in age or experience

believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment

behaviour in which you refuse to obey someone or something

the quality of being full of hope and emphasising the good parts of a situation

the act of challenging or going against a stereotype or convention

Sheila and changing attitudes toward gender and class in 'An Inspector Calls'

English

Contextualising gender expectations in ‘An Inspector Calls'

Understanding gender and class through Mrs Birling in 'An Inspector Calls'

Exploring interpretations of masculinity in 'An Inspector Calls'

Eva Smith in 'An Inspector Calls': representation and symbolism

Using quotations and context effectively in an 'An Inspector Calls' essay

Planning an essay on societal expectations in ‘An Inspector Calls’

In 'Animal Farm: Barriers to Leadership', pupils evaluate the different types of leadership styles presented in the novella. In 'Animal Farm: Lies and Deception', pupils explore how key images, such as food and the windmill, are used a symbols of the lies and deceit of the pigs.

In 'Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils develop a clear understanding of the plot, main characters and themes of the novella. In the second exploration unit, 'Animal Farm: Barriers to Leadership', pupils undertake more nuanced analysis of the pigs grasp for power.

In this unit, pupils learn about how Priestly questions societal expectations of gender and class in 'An Inspector Calls'. They look at three female characters, Sheila, Mrs Birling and Eva, and also explore how masculinity is presented. They finally plan and write an essay on the topic.

Modern text: first deep dive

Which word beginning with 'i' can be used to describe the way Sheila is treated like a child in 'An Inspector Calls'?

showing compassion and understanding toward others

being overly critical of societal norms and expectation

At the start of 'An Inspector Calls' Sheila could be described as entitled. This can be described as:

In 'An Inspector Calls' Mrs Birling infantilises Sheila by calling her a child and describes her behaviour as:

She refuses to ignore his infidelity and wants to rethink their relationship.

 She blames him entirely for Eva Smith’s death. 

In 'An Inspector Calls', why does Sheila return her engagement ring to Gerald?

Is the answer true or false? In 'An Inspector Calls' Sheila and Eva both face similar consequences after challenging authority.

Sheila’s defiance suggests younger generations can drive societal change.

Sheila’s growth shows personal change but does not challenge societal structures

Priestley highlights how class and gender norms remain unchanged despite Sheila.

Priestley shows how individual growth can inspire reform in society.

Select **two** statements that agree with this comment: In 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila’s growth challenges power and status but fails to drive broader change.

Sheila is engaged to Gerald Croft at the start of the play.

Sheila is upset when the Inspector arrives and starts questioning the family.

Sheila reveals her role in getting Eva Smith fired from the department store.

Sheila learns of Gerald's affair with Eva Smith and feels betrayed.

Sheila takes responsibility for her actions and questions her parents.

Sheila becomes more self-aware, symbolising hope for generational change.

Starting with the first, put the plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in chronological order. They are all focused on the character of Sheila.

In 'An Inspector Calls', which words are used to describe Sheila in the stage directions of Act 1?

In 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila begs her mother not to put up a "wall" between them and the Inspector. What technique is Priestley using here?

Is the answer true or false? In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila says she "respects" Gerald.

She becomes increasingly supportive of their views.

She begins to openly challenge their attitudes and actions.

She distances herself completely from them.

 She takes responsibility for their mistakes.

In 'An Inspector Calls', how does Sheila’s relationship with her parents change throughout the play?

In 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector says that young ones are more...

Exit Quiz

Which word beginning with 'i' can be used to describe the way Sheila is treated like a child in 'An Inspector Calls'?