Play

• What is the relationship between Gerald Croft and Sheila Burling?


  They are engaged to be married
• What does Mr. Birling pride himself on being?


  A good judge of character
• What does Mr. Birling suggest about the future of business?


  He believes in steadily increasing prosperity
• How does Mr. Birling view the relationship between capital and labor?


  He believes they will work together for mutual benefit
• What does Mr. Birling say about the possible labor troubles?


  He dismisses them as silly pessimistic talk
• What does Mr. Birling hope for the future of his children?


  He hopes they will live in a world free of labor agitations
• What does Mr. Birling think about the importance of personal responsibility?


  He believes a man must look after himself and his family
• What does Mr. Birling imply about the role of women in society?


  He suggests that women value clothes as a sign of self-respect
• How does Mr. Birling justify his decision to fire Eva Smith?


  He claims it was necessary to maintain control over his business
• What was Eva Smith's real name according to the inspector?


  Eva Smith
• What does the inspector reveal about Eva Smith's death?


  She died after swallowing strong disinfectant
• What does the inspector suggest about the connection between Mr. Birling's actions and Eva Smith's suicide?


  Mr. Birling's actions may have contributed to her decision to end her life
• How does Sheila react to the news of Eva Smith's death?


  She feels guilty and upset
• What does Mr. Birling think about the inspector's inquiries?


  He considers them uncalled for and officious
• What does the inspector imply about the nature of responsibility?


  Everyone is connected and responsible for each other's welfare
• How does the inspector's approach differ from Mr. Birling's views on business and society?


  The inspector emphasizes social responsibility, while Mr. Birling focuses on individualism
• What does Mr. Birling say about the future of his business?


  He believes it will prosper
• What does the inspector reveal about the circumstances leading to Eva Smith's death?


  She had been in distress and felt she had no other options
• How does the family react to the inspector's revelations about Eva Smith?


  They show a mix of denial, guilt, and defensiveness
• What does Sheila say about her feelings towards Eva Smith?


  She feels guilty for her role in Eva's suffering
• What does the inspector suggest about the impact of social class on Eva Smith's life?


  Her lower social class contributed to her struggles
• How does the inspector's investigation challenge the characters' views on their social responsibilities?


  It forces them to confront their complicity in societal issues
• What does Mr. Birling think about the future of labor relations?


  He believes they will improve
• How does the inspector's presence affect the dynamics of the family gathering?


  It creates tension and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths
• What themes are explored through the character of Eva Smith?


  Themes of social responsibility, class struggle, and the consequences of actions
• What does the inspector say about the nature of suicide in relation to Eva Smith?


  He states it was a result of her circumstances and despair
• How does the family initially react to the inspector's investigation?

  They are defensive and dismissive
• What does the inspector's investigation reveal about the interconnectedness of society?


  It highlights how individual actions can impact others' lives
• What tragic event occurred involving a young woman this afternoon?

  A young woman drank disinfectant and died in the infirmary.
• Why did the young woman drink disinfectant?

  She wanted to end her life because she felt she couldn't go on any longer.
• What role did Mr. Birling play in the young woman's situation?


  He discharged her from his employment nearly two years ago.
• How did Sheila feel after learning about the young woman's death?


  She felt guilty and upset, thinking about the girl destroying herself.
• How old was the young woman when she died?

  She was 24 years old.
• What was the young woman's employment situation after leaving Mr. Birling's works?


  She was out of work for the next two months.
• What circumstances contributed to the young woman's desperation?


  She had no home, no money, and was living in lodgings with no relatives to help.
• What job did the young woman get after being unemployed?

  She was taken on in a shop called Millward's.
• What happened to the young woman at Millward's?


  She was told she had to leave because a customer complained about her.
• How did Sheila contribute to the young woman's dismissal from Millward's?


  She told the manager to get rid of the girl or she would persuade her mother to close their account.
• What was the relationship between Sheila and the young woman?


  Sheila felt jealous of the young woman, especially regarding her looks.
• What did Eric reveal about his drinking habits?


  He has been drinking too much for the last two years.