The Inspector Begins

• What event does the inspector announce at the beginning of Act One?

  A girl has died
• Why did Birling sack Eva Smith?

  To protect his business
• Who got Eva Smith sacked from her next job?

  Sheila
• What is the significance of the Inspector's arrival in the play?

  • Marks a change in mood
  • Introduces themes of responsibility
  • Initiates the investigation into Eva Smith's death
• What are the main discussion points in the section about Acts?

  • Analysis of character actions
  • Impact of the Inspector's presence
  • Themes of social responsibility and morality
• What is the significance of the change of mood when the Inspector arrives?

  • The atmosphere becomes tense and serious
  • Characters' guilt and secrets begin to surface
  • The Inspector's presence challenges the family's complacency
• How does the inspector describe Eva Smith's death?

  He gives a blunt account, stating she was "burnt her inside out"
• What is the significance of the inspector's harsh language in contrast to the Birlings' demeanor?

  It highlights the Birlings' self-assurance against the gravity of the situation
• Why does the inspector show a photograph to Birling but not to Gerald or Eric?

  It is important because Gerald later suspects that each person was shown a different photograph
• What led to the workers at Birling's factory going on strike?

  Birling refused to give them a pay rise
• What political element does Priestley introduce through Birling's actions regarding the workers?

  He contrasts the rights of the workers against the interests of the businessman
• How is Eva described in the play?

  As a "rather good-looking girl"
• What does Sheila recognize when shown a photograph?

  She recognizes the woman she got sacked from Milwards last year
• What emotions does Sheila experience regarding her actions towards Eva Smith?

  She feels insecurity and jealousy
• How did Sheila abuse her influence at Milwards?

  As a regular customer from a good family, she demanded Eva Smith be sacked
• What does Sheila express about her feelings after getting Eva sacked?

  She felt "rotten about it at the time"
• How does Priestley portray Sheila's character development throughout the play?

  He portrays her as a forgivable character who has grown up
• What happens to the mood of the play when the inspector arrives?

  The mood dips after the doorbell rings
• How does Priestley set up the arrival of the inspector in terms of the play's mood?

  He indicates that things can't get any better, so they must get worse
• What is the role of the inspector in the play?

  The inspector serves as a catalyst for revealing the Birlings' moral failures
• What does the character of Eva Smith symbolize in the play?

  She symbolizes the struggles of the working class
• How does Priestley address class and social responsibility in the play?

  He critiques the selfishness of the upper class and advocates for social responsibility
• What is the relationship dynamic between the Birlings and the inspector?

  The inspector challenges the Birlings' self-assuredness and exposes their flaws
• How is dramatic irony used in the play?

  It highlights the Birlings' ignorance of the consequences of their actions