Summary

• What is the setting described in the play "An Inspector Calls"?


  A house, not a home
• Who are the five main characters introduced at the beginning of the play?

  Mr. Birling, Mrs. Sybil Birling, Gerald Croft, Sheila Birling, and Eric Birling
• What event are the characters celebrating at the beginning of the play?

  Gerald and Sheila's engagement
• How does Mr. Birling feel about Sheila's engagement to Gerald?


  He is pleased because it will improve their social status
• What does Mr. Birling hope to achieve by having Sheila marry Gerald?


  To advance the Burling family's social status and business relations
• What does Mr. Birling's speech contain that is significant?


  It is heavy with dramatic irony
• What does the arrival of Inspector Goole signify in the play?


  It marks the beginning of the investigation into Eva Smith's death
• What is the cause of Eva Smith's death as revealed by Inspector Goole?


  She died by swallowing strong disinfectant
• How does Mr. Birling react when Inspector Goole questions him?


  He does not like it and becomes defensive
• What does Mr. Birling claim about his decision to fire Eva Smith?


  He believes he was right to sack her for going on strike
• What effect does the inspector's questioning have on Sheila?


  It distresses her and makes her feel guilty
• What new name does Eva Smith adopt after leaving her job?


  Daisy Renton
• How does Gerald react when he hears the name Daisy Renton?


  He is visibly shocked
• What does Sheila reveal about her involvement with Eva Smith?


  She was the customer who got Eva fired out of jealousy
• How does Gerald describe his relationship with Eva/Daisy?


  He admits she became his mistress
• What does Mrs. Birling do when Eva/Daisy asks for help?


  She prejudices against her and rejects her case
• What does Mrs. Birling say about the responsibility for the child Eva/Daisy is carrying?


  She believes the father should take care of it and confess publicly
• How does Eric's behavior reflect his character during the questioning?


  He is revealed to be a heavy drinker and aggressive
• What does Eric confess about his relationship with Eva/Daisy?


  He threatened her to gain entry and they slept together
• What does Eric do after learning about Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva/Daisy?


  He shouts at his mother
• What is the significance of the inspector's final speech?

  It recaps each character's involvement and expresses Priestley's socialist message
• What do the older generation think after Gerald's discovery about the inspector?


  They feel relieved and believe they are no longer to blame
• What happens at the end of the play regarding the inspector?


  An inspector is on their way to the Burling household
• What are the main themes explored in "An Inspector Calls"?


  • Social responsibility
  • Class and social status
  • Gender roles
  • The impact of individual actions
• How does J.B. Priestley use dramatic irony in "An Inspector Calls"?


  • Characters are unaware of the consequences of their actions
  • Audience knows more than the characters
  • Highlights social issues and moral lessons