Act 1

• Who are the main characters introduced at the beginning of the play "An Inspector Calls"?

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

  The engagement of Sheila Burling to Gerald Croft
• How does Mr Burling view the engagement between Sheila and Gerald?

  He sees it as a business opportunity to strengthen ties with Crofts Limited
• What does Mr Burling say about Crofts Limited in relation to his own company?

  He states that Crofts Limited are both older and bigger than his company
• What does the audience find surprising about the engagement toast made by Mr Burling?

  There is no mention of love between Sheila and Gerald, treating it like a business transaction
• What does Sheila Burling say when she receives the engagement ring from Gerald?

  She says she feels engaged only after receiving the ring
• How does Mr Burling's speech about the Titanic reflect his character?

  It shows his arrogance and ignorance, as he believes the Titanic is unsinkable
• What does Mr Burling say about the Germans in his speech?

  He claims that the Germans don't want war
• How does the audience react to Mr Burling's statements about community?

  They likely think he is mistaken, as he dismisses the importance of community
• What is Mrs Burling's role in the early conversations of the play?

  She is notably absent, reinforcing her cold character description
• How does the Inspector's arrival change the atmosphere of the play?

  It introduces tension and a sense of urgency as he investigates a suicide
• What shocking news does the Inspector reveal upon his arrival?

  He is there to investigate the suicide of a young lady who drank disinfectant
• How does Mr Burling react to the Inspector's investigation?

  He emphasizes his social standing and tries to assert his authority
• What does Mr Burling admit about Eva Smith during the Inspector's questioning?

  He admits he sacked her due to her involvement in strike action over wages
• How does Mr Burling justify his decision to sack Eva Smith?

  He believes he was right to fire her as she was one of the ring leaders
• What change occurs in Mr Burling's demeanor during the Inspector's questioning?

  He becomes defensive and no longer relaxed, forced to explain his decisions
• What does the Inspector request regarding Mr Burling's daughter?

  He requests not to involve her in the questioning
• What does Sheila Burling learn about Eva Smith's life after being sacked?

  Eva was unemployed for two months and had no relatives to help her
• How does Sheila react when she learns about Eva's situation?

  She is upset and feels guilty for her contribution to Eva's difficulties
• What does the Inspector reveal about Eva's job at Milwood department store?

  She was sacked after Sheila complained about her
• Why did Sheila complain about Eva at the department store?

  She believed Eva was mocking her while she tried on a dress
• How does Sheila's character differ from her father's regarding responsibility?

  Sheila accepts responsibility for her actions, unlike Mr Burling
• What name does Eva Smith change to after being sacked?

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

  He reacts immediately, indicating his connection to her
• What does Gerald admit about his relationship with Daisy Renton?

  He had a relationship with her that ended six months ago
• How does the act end regarding Gerald's affair with Daisy?

  Gerald believes he can keep his affair a secret from the Inspector
• What are the key themes introduced in Act One of "An Inspector Calls"?

  • Class and social responsibility
  • The impact of individual actions on others
  • The illusion of social status
  • Gender roles and expectations
• How does the Inspector serve as a catalyst in the play?

  • He challenges the characters' moral responsibility
  • He reveals the interconnectedness of their actions
  • He exposes the flaws in their social beliefs
• What is the significance of the photograph that the Inspector shows to the characters?

  • It symbolizes the personal connection to Eva Smith
  • It creates suspense as the audience never sees it
  • It highlights the theme of perception versus reality
• How does the structure of the play enhance its themes?

  • The use of a single setting emphasizes the characters' isolation
  • The unfolding investigation reveals hidden truths
  • The dialogue reflects social tensions and conflicts
• What role does the setting play in "An Inspector Calls"?

  • It reflects the social status of the Burling family
  • It creates a confined space for the unfolding drama
  • It symbolizes the facade of respectability
• How does the character of Sheila Burling evolve in Act One?

  • She starts as naive and superficial
  • She begins to recognize her responsibility
  • Her emotional response indicates her moral awakening
• What is the significance of the Inspector's final words in Act One?

  • They foreshadow the revelations to come
  • They emphasize the importance of social responsibility
  • They create tension and anticipation for the next act
• How does the play critique the capitalist mindset through Mr Burling's character?

  • His focus on profit over people highlights moral failings
  • His arrogance reflects the dangers of unchecked ambition
  • His ignorance of social issues underscores the need for change