'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Sheila
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand and explain the presentation and significance of Sheila in ‘An Inspector Calls’.
Key learning points
- Sheila’s journey in the play can be described as transformative.
- The Inspector emotionally impacts Sheila and acknowledges she is “impressionable”.
- Sheila aligns herself with the Inspector’s purpose and moral messages.
- The younger generation being seen as a symbol of change and hope is a timeless idea.
- Priestley uses Sheila, a member of the younger generation, to explore ideas around hope and optimism.
Keywords
Transformative - causing a significant change or improvement in someone or something
Enlightened - gaining knowledge, understanding, or awareness, especially about important issues or truths
Optimism - the belief or attitude that things will turn out well, looking at the positive side of situations
Societal norms - the accepted rules, behaviors, and values that are considered normal or typical in a society or group
Moral - relating to principles of right and wrong behavior, or what is considered good or bad in society
Common misconception
Sheila's transformation guarantees societal change.
While her growth is significant, it doesn't ensure broader social progress, as societal norms and traditions play a major role.
Teacher tip
The discussion and debate tasks in this lesson can also be completed as written tasks if that suits the needs of your pupils better.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these answers are true? In 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila is...
Q2.In 'An Inspector Calls', what is the name of the department store where Eva Smith worked?
Q3.Starting with the first, put the plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in chronological order. They are all focused on the character of Sheila.
Q4.In 'An Inspector Calls', which words are used to describe Sheila in the stage directions of Act 1?
Q5.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?
Q6.Is the answer true or false? At the end of 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila is relieved that they can all going back to living their usual lives.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following do not share etymological roots with the name 'Sheila'?
Q2.Is the answer true or false? In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila says she "respects" Gerald.
Q3.Which word beginning with 'e' can be described as: 'gaining knowledge, understanding, or awareness, especially about important issues or truths.'?
Q4.In 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses emotive language to emphasise the emotional impact the Inspector has on Sheila. Which words can be found in the stage directions to describe Sheila?
Q5.In 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector says that young ones are more...
Q6.How does Sheila's transformation throughout 'An Inspector Calls' reflect Priestley's views on social responsibility?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Sheila, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Sheila, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the An Inspector Calls: power and responsibility unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.