Sheila’s urgent news was simply discussing hers and Gerald’s relationship and how it might turn out to be something wonderful in the future by showing this they were both out looking for a ring. Shocked, Sybil was trying to simplify this fantasy relationship to a fellowship but simultaneously not realising that it has gone this far. Mr Birling was ecstatic to hear this new and immediately wanted to know how long it has been going on for. Sheila was more than happy to give details her father and also gave an important detail in the process, “It’s only got really serious just before summer” This detail made Sybil think and so she wasn’t hesitant to ask the next question, “ well if it’s been going on through summer how come you were never out with him? You seemed, as I recall correctly, were at home all summer. Isn’t it so?” This put Sheila on the spot so she had to quickly respond explaining how she was home all summer, but Gerald too busy with his business so he had no spare time for Sheila.
As soon as Sybil heard this she went from a confused Mother to an interrogating Mother and immediately asked her daughter a simple question “so what was he doing”. Sheila then made an explanation saying that he was in the middle of processing a product. Hearing this Mr Birling made compliment to Gerald about how he was a fine young man. Hearing this Sybil reminded Arthur about the matter at hand and not about the business or any other working related topics. She then asked her daughter about Gerald propose. Sheila in a joyful way said that it will be soon. Mr Birling at this point had a huge speech about how this will benefit the business in the future and it will be easier to run with Gerald at his side. Sybil in a fed up manner reminded Arthur that this isn’t a business matter and need to stop bringing that topic into the conversion.
Sheila then told her Father how excited she is how she cannot wait to see Gerald once again, Mr Birling agreeing with here made a statement that put Mrs Birling over the edge, “well let’s hope this marriage gets along fine, what do you say dear? Furious with rage Mrs Birling replied with an inappropriate, stern sentence, THIS WEDDING IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! THIS IS... being interrupted by her daughter Sheila asked a short and straight to the point question. “Mother, why”. Mr Birling caring for his daughter’s decision tried to persuade Sybil to reconsider but was a poor effort in the end. Sheila then was hopelessly trying to persuade Sybil as well but failed then burst out into tears. As Mr Birling was trying to comfort his daughter, Sybil was selfishly exclaiming how until she observes Gerald she will not give her is blessing let alone her consent. Sheila as you can imagine was shocked at her mother’s narcissistic attitude towards her then witnessed as her mother left the scene as she couldn’t take much more, the person who acted as Sybil would get up and leave the scene. The scene then ends with Mr Birling Comforting his daughter and telling her that he will have a talk with Sybil.
Targets
1 Personal Target for myself would be to take my time with my speech and not to mutter my speech also the body language I used for Mr Birling was incorrect as I was slouching which Mr Birling doesn’t do.
1 Group Target would be to memorise all lines successfully as we repeatedly kept forgetting our lines and had to improvise in the end.
