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Year 11 - English

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

'An Inspector Calls': societal expectations of gender and class

Unit Summary

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.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how Sheila's character development could reflect changing attitudes towards gender and class expectations.

Key Notes

  • Priestley initially presents Sheila as naive and entitled.
  • Other characters infantilise Sheila and try to protect her from the truth
  • The treatment of Sheila conforms to the gender expectations of Edwardian society.
  • Sheila's journey in the play leads her to challenge and defy societal expectations.
  • Sheila arguably begins to subvert the traditional expectations of class and gender by the end of the play.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • infantilise: treat (someone) like a child or in a way which denies their maturity in age or experience
  • entitled: believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment
  • defiance: behaviour in which you refuse to obey someone or something
  • optimism: the quality of being full of hope and emphasising the good parts of a situation
  • subvert: the act of challenging or going against a stereotype or convention

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Sheila's transformation at the end of the play is entirely optimistic, showing that she has completely embraced responsibility and will lead a future free from societal inequality.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Priestley initially presents Sheila as naive and entitled. Other characters infantilise Sheila and try to protect her from the truth.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'infantilise'

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

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Sheila's transformation at the end of the play is entirely optimistic, showing that she has completely embraced responsibility and will lead a future free from societal inequality. Correction: While Sheila's growth is significant, her awareness is limited and she's still part of the system she criticises. Priestley uses her character to show potential for change, but also highlights the ongoing challenges of inequality.

More Lessons In This Unit

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