Act 3 Summary

• What does Act 3 conclude regarding Eva Smith’s death?

  It reveals Eric’s role and the Inspector’s purpose
• What themes are explored in Act 3?

  Guilt, responsibility, and moral consequences
• How does Priestley end the play?

  With a shocking twist and moral message
• What does Eric confess in Act 3?

  • Met Eva at the Palace Bar
  • Pursued her while intoxicated
  • Forced his way into her lodging
  • Had an ongoing relationship resulting in pregnancy
  • Stole money from his father to support her
• What is Eric's emotional state after his confession?

  He feels guilt and anguish
• What does the Inspector emphasize in his final speech?

  Interconnectedness of society and responsibility
• What warning does the Inspector give about ignoring moral lessons?

  It leads to conflict and suffering
• What is the significance of the Inspector's departure?

  It shifts focus to family reactions and guilt
• How do Sheila and Eric react to the Inspector's revelations?

  • Show genuine remorse
  • Take responsibility for their actions
  • Align with the Inspector’s values
• How do Arthur and Sybil respond to the Inspector's message?

  • Focus on protecting their reputations
  • Dismiss the events as unimportant
  • Refuse to acknowledge moral failings
• What does Gerald discover about the Inspector?

  There is no Inspector Goole on the police force
• How does the family rationalize their actions after Gerald's discovery?

  They believe they’ve escaped consequences
• What happens when the phone rings at the end of the play?

  A young woman has died after drinking disinfectant
• What does the final twist of the play signify?

  • Questions the nature of the Inspector
  • Leaves the family facing real consequences
  • Reflects on the cyclical nature of their actions
• What character development occurs with Inspector Goole?

  • His moral authority is profound
  • Ambiguity of his identity is emphasized
  • Acts as Priestley’s mouthpiece
• How does Eric Birling change throughout the play?

  • Reveals vulnerability and guilt
  • Shows genuine remorse
  • Accepts responsibility for his actions
• What does Sheila Birling represent in the play?

  • Symbol of hope for change
  • Embraces the Inspector’s teachings
  • Urges family to acknowledge failures
• How do Arthur and Sybil Birling's attitudes reflect generational divides?

  • Focus on reputation and self-interest
  • Dismiss the Inspector’s message
  • Highlight ideological differences with younger characters
• What is Gerald Croft's character arc in Act 3?

  • Investigates the Inspector's legitimacy
  • Undermines his earlier guilt
  • Aligns with Arthur and Sybil
• What themes are emphasized in Act 3 regarding responsibility?

  • Importance of accountability for actions
  • Generational divide in attitudes
  • Consequences of ignoring moral duties
• How does social class and power manifest in the play?

  • Upper class abuse of power is highlighted
  • Eric's exploitation of Eva is central
  • Sybil's denial of charity reflects class attitudes
• What moral hypocrisy is revealed in the older Birlings?

  • Quick dismissal of the Inspector’s warnings
  • Refusal to accept guilt or change
  • Focus on maintaining social status
• What key quote reflects Eric's remorse?

  “The girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her.”
• What key quote emphasizes the universality of the play’s message?

  “There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths.”
• What prophetic warning does the Inspector give?

  “If men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.”
• What does Arthur say to excuse his actions?

  “There’s every excuse for what both your mother and I did.”
• What does Sheila criticize about her parents' behavior?

  “You’re just beginning all over again to pretend.”
• What challenge does Priestley present to the audience?

  To reflect on their own moral responsibilities.
• What does Act 3 emphasize about social conscience?

  • Importance of collective responsibility
  • Dangers of ignoring moral duties
  • Timelessness of its message