Act 2

• How does Act Two of An Inspector Calls begin?

  • It begins with the inspector repeating his one-word question "Well."
  • The question is aimed at Gerald.
• What does Gerald try to prevent Sheila from hearing?

  Details of his affair with Daisy Renton
• How were women viewed at the time the play is set?

  As delicate and fragile creatures who should be protected
• What point is Priestley trying to raise about women through Sheila's character?

  That women can withstand traumatic events and learn from their mistakes
• What does the inspector highlight regarding shared responsibility?

  That if Sheila is sent away, she will be alone with her feelings of guilt
• Who notes how upset Sheila is during the revelations?

  Mrs. Birling
• What does the inspector say about young people in the play?

  • Young people are more impressionable.
  • They can learn from their mistakes.
• What does Mrs. Birling refuse to acknowledge about Eric?

  That he drinks too much
• How does the relationship between Mrs. Birling and Eric set up later events in the play?

  It shows the distance in their relationship, leading to dramatic revelations
• What does Mrs. Birling inadvertently reveal to the inspector?

  That the father of Eva's child is to blame for her situation
• How does Mr. Birling attempt to regain control during the inspector's questioning?

  By trying to get the inspector to question Eric quickly
• What does Sheila recognize about the inspector's power?


  That they are at his mercy
• Where does Gerald first meet Daisy Renton?

  In the bar at the Palace Variety Theatre
• How does Gerald describe Daisy's appearance compared to other women?

  She had a youthful, innocent look that made her stand out
• What does Gerald do when he first sees Daisy being harassed?

  He takes her to the County Hotel to help her
• What does Gerald learn about Daisy's employment history?

  She was sacked from both Birling and Company and Mill Woods
• Why does Gerald not ask for anything in return from Daisy?

  He claims he didn't arrange accommodation just for an affair
• How does Gerald's relationship with Daisy change over time?

  He breaks up with her when he has to go away on business
• What does the inspector reveal about Daisy's actions after her relationship with Gerald?

  According to her diary, she went to the seaside to think of Gerald
• What does Sheila do with the engagement ring after hearing Gerald's story?

  She hands it back to Gerald
• What does Mrs. Birling claim when shown a photograph of Eva?

  She does not recognize the girl in the picture
• What does Mr. Birling remind the inspector about public men?

  They have responsibilities as well as privileges
• What does Sheila recap during the inspector's interrogation of Mrs. Birling?

  • Eva's sacking from Birling and Company
  • Her sacking from Mill Woods
  • Her relationship with Gerald
• What does Mrs. Birling admit about seeing Eva Smith?

  She saw Eva two weeks ago when she sought help
• How does Mrs. Birling's position in the charity influence her decision regarding Eva?

  Her standing influenced her to refuse help to Eva
• What does Mrs. Birling believe about Eva's marital status?

  She believes Eva pretended to be married
• How does Mrs. Birling react to the inspector's suggestion about the money given to Eva?

  She insists that Eva was wrong for not accepting it
• What does the inspector emphasize about Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva?

  It left Eva alone and poor, needing advice and money
• What is Mr. Birling's primary concern regarding the revelations about Eva?

  His reputation and potential knighthood
• How do Mr. and Mrs. Birling appear as characters in the play?

  They are selfish and aim to protect their social status
• What does Mrs. Birling suggest to deflect attention from herself?

  That her husband and daughter forced Eva into unemployment
• What does Mrs. Birling reveal about the father of Eva's baby?

  She claims he offered to marry her but was not mature enough
• What does the inspector suggest about the money given to Eva?

  That it was stolen, highlighting Eva's morals
• How does Mrs. Birling react when she realizes the truth about Eric?

  She shows no remorse and continues to blame others
• What is Sheila's reaction to the revelations about Eric's role?

  She becomes increasingly upset
• Who arrives at the end of Act Two?

  Eric