a 1945 play by JB Priestley named An inspector calls is a great example of the differences between the older and younger generations ,and is a great way to see how much of an ability the future generation has to make a positive change in our society. At the start of the play Sheila was shown as a naive character but towards the end of the play we can see how she expresses how the younger generations ignores capitalist and upper class views in order to be more inclusive. We see this when Sheila, whose views differ from the older generation, is mostly concerned with the fact that they all collectively harmed Eva., while Mr. Birling is only worried about protecting his reputation and maintaining his social status. There is also Gerald, who initially wanted to help Eva Smith but,ends up causing more harm.
Sheila had shown the most character development throughout the play by illustrating how the youth can self reflect the most. At the beginning of act one ,Sheila is described as playful and lively ,she is almost childlike.And I quote ”oh-how horrible was it an accident?”shows Sheilas naivety to assume that someone could drink a fatal amount of disinfectant by accident .Her overall mood had been portrayed as carefree,but as the play progressives she becomes more serious after learning about the upcoming news of Eva smith’s death.This makes Sheila begin to question her own behaviours and,soon regrets the way she had treated Eva in the past.Unlike her parents Sheila shows full compassion and empathy for what had happened to the young lady . therefore she fully supports the inspectors perspective and accepts her responsibility regarding to Eva’s smith’s downfall .
Moreover, Sheila's growing awareness underscores the theme of social responsibility within the play. As she begins to understand the consequences of her family's actions, her dialogue shifts from self-centered concerns to a broader perspective on collective impact. Her statement, "I know I'm to blame-and I'm desperately sorry," marks a significant moment where she takes accountability for her role in Eva's fate. This admission not only signifies her maturity but also serves as a critique of the older generation's refusal to accept responsibility.
Finally, Sheila symbolizes the potential for a more equal and fair society. As she grows, she represents hope for the future and the need to address issues like gender and class inequality. Her rejection of capitalist ideas becomes clear during her conversations with the Inspector. When she says, “But these girls aren’t cheap labor—they’re people,” she challenges the attitudes held by her family. This change is important in showing that the younger generation can question outdated beliefs and fight for a fairer society. Through Sheila, Priestley conveys that if young people stay open to new ideas and committed to social justice, they can help create a better future for everyone.
Conclusion
As the play continues, we see the message Priestley conveys: if young people remain open to new ideas and committed to social justice, they can help create a better future. This mindset contrasts sharply with the older generation's closed-off views on social issues. With Sheila being the youngest character, she serves as a key figure in demonstrating how the younger generation can transform society into a more equal and socialist one. Her development throughout the story symbolizes hope for a future that addresses gender and class inequalities.