Quotes and structure

• What does Mr Birling symbolize at the beginning of the play?

  Mr Birling symbolizes Capitalism's influence at the start of the century.
• What message does Mr Birling's downfall convey?

  It conveys a message about how Capitalism will fare against Socialism.
• Who interrupts Mr Birling at the door?

  A ring at the door interrupts Mr Birling.
• Who informs Mr Birling about the Inspector's arrival?

  The maid, Edna, informs them that an inspector has called.
• What do Mr Birling and Gerald joke about regarding Eric?

  They joke that Eric is in trouble.
• What is the name of the Inspector introduced in the play?

  The Inspector is introduced as Inspector Goole.
• Why does Mr Birling assume the Inspector wants to speak to him?

  He assumes it is because he is still a magistrate in the city.
• What tragic event does the Inspector inform Mr Birling about?

  The Inspector informs him that a girl died of suicide after drinking disinfectant.
• How does Mr Birling react to the news of the girl's death?

  He is shocked but does not understand why it is relevant to him.
• What is the name of the girl who died?

  The girl's name was Eva Smith.
• What does Mr Birling say when the Inspector mentions Eva Smith's name?

  He says the name doesn’t mean anything to him.
• What prompts Mr Birling's memory of Eva Smith?

  The Inspector shows him a photograph of her.
• What does the Inspector reveal about Eva Smith's employment?

  He reveals she was employed at Mr Birling's works at one time.
• What did Eva Smith and other factory workers demand?

  They demanded a higher wage.
• What action did Mr Birling take against the striking workers?

  He fired the ringleaders, including Eva Smith.
• How does Mr Birling justify his actions regarding Eva Smith?

  He believes he is fully justified in his actions to keep labor costs low.
• How does Eric challenge Mr Birling?

  Eric challenges him about his lack of responsibility.
• How does Mr Birling criticize Eric?

  He criticizes Eric for being spoiled and inexperienced.
• What does the lighting change signify when the Inspector arrives?

  • The lighting becomes brighter and harder.
  • It imitates the atmosphere of a police interrogation.
  • It indicates that the truth will be exposed.
  • The Birlings cannot escape scrutiny.
• What impression does the Inspector create upon his introduction?

  He creates an impression of massiveness, solidity, and purposefulness.
• How does the Inspector's appearance contrast with the Birlings' attire?

  His plain darkish suit contrasts with the Birlings' showy evening dress.
• What does Mr Birling claim about his political positions?

  He claims to have been an alderman and Lord Mayor, and is still on the Bench.
• How does Mr Birling use his reputation in the play?

  He uses it to win over the Inspector and intimidate him.
• What does the Inspector's graphic description of Eva Smith's death reveal?

  It contrasts with the upper classes' euphemisms and shows empathy.
• What does the Inspector mean by "chain of events"?

  He means that all actions have consequences linked together.
• How does Mr Birling respond to the Inspector's teachings?

  He refuses to accept any responsibility for his actions.
• What does Mr Birling imply about responsibility in his quote?

  He implies that accepting responsibility for everyone would be very awkward.
• How does the Inspector's interruption of Mr Birling represent Socialism's triumph over Capitalism?

  • The Inspector interrupts Mr Birling, silencing him.
  • It highlights the Birlings' outlook as a key point of contention.
  • It prevents the audience from hearing more Capitalist ideals.
• What theme does the dialogue between the Inspector and Mr Birling set for the play?

  It sets the theme of responsibility and consequences for actions.
• How does the Inspector challenge Mr Birling's outlook?

  He asks "Why?" and tells him his actions determined future events.
• What does the Inspector's repetition of the Birlings' words achieve?

  It exposes their cruel prejudices and privileges.
• How does Sheila react to the news of Eva Smith's death?

  She shows shock and empathy for Eva.
• What does Mr Birling suggest when he wants to talk to the Inspector privately?

  He reveals his obsession with his public image.
• What does the Inspector imply about Capitalism in his statement about young women?

  He implies that Capitalism relies on poverty and desperation.
• How does the Inspector personalize the issue of young women's suffering for Sheila?

  He makes it personal by saying "ask your father," linking it to her family.
• What does the Inspector's statement about young women suggest about society?

  It suggests that the treatment of women is due to classism and Capitalist thinking.
• What does Sheila's reaction to her actions towards Eva reveal about her character development?

  It shows she feels regret and has learned about the consequences of her actions.
• How does Gerald react to the revelation about Daisy Renton?

  He is shocked but tries to hide it.
• What does Sheila tell Gerald about the Inspector's knowledge?

  She tells him that the Inspector already knows about his affair.
• What is the last action of the Inspector before the curtain falls?

  The Inspector asks "Well?" before the curtain falls.