Mr Birling had her dismissed from his factory for demanding a small increase in wages; Sheila ordered her to be dismissed from her job in a shop simply because of her pride; Gerald Croft kept her as his mistress before leaving her suddenly; Eric Birling also had an affair with the girl and stole money to keep her living; and Mrs Birling used her influence to deny help to Eva Smith when she needed it most, driving her to suicide
After the inspector's visit we can see which of the characters have learned their lesson from what the inspector has said and which are in denial, clinging their old beliefs and showing no sense of remorse. The characters' conversations after the Inspector's departure show the contrasting attitudes between the older and younger generations. So nothing really happened. So there's nothing to be sorry for, nothing to learn. Sheila says this to her parents in a sarcastic tone. Despite finding out that no girl had died that day, from the infirmary, she still feels regretful for what she has done. Well, why shouldn't we?' Mrs Birling says in reply to Sheila. Her attitude clearly contrasts to that of Sheila's. She doesn't care about what she has done and appears to be content in continuing to live her life in the same manner. The play ends in an ambiguous manner. The family eventually find out that a girl has committed suicide, shortly after being told by the infirmary that no girl had died that day. This raises questions about the true identity of the inspector and creates a sense of obscurity about the play as a whole.
Sheila is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Birling. At the very start of the play Sheila is described as a pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life and rather excited. Before the inspector arrives, she appears to be a very playful and lively person. You're squiffy. This quote from Sheila shows her vivaciousness. It also emphasises her youthfulness.