Compare And Contrast Sheila And Gerald's Relationship

In their relationship Gerald treats Sheila as if she is more like a possession than a person that he loves and is planning on marrying. This is typical behaviour of the Edwardian period, women were usually treated as if they belonged to the man, especially when they were married. This is evident when Gerald says “I think miss Birling ought to be excused any more of this questioning,” this shows is that Gerald is speaking good Sheila. Sheila is not allowed to voice her own opinion because as a woman she is supposed to remain quiet and polite, instead she voices the same opinion as Gerald or Gerald speaks for her. Gerald speaking for Sheila highlights not only how women are supposed to act, but also his beliefs towards Sheila’s incompetence.