Act 2 summary

• How does Act Two begin in relation to Act One?

  It begins with the inspector's one-word question
• Who does the inspector's question target at the beginning of Act Two?

  Gerald
• What does Gerald try to prevent Sheila from hearing?

  Details of his affair with Eva
• How were women perceived at the time the play is set?

  As delicate and fragile creatures
• What point does Priestly raise about women through Sheila's character?

  Women can withstand trauma and learn
• What does the inspector emphasize regarding shared responsibility?

  Sheila will feel guilt if alone
• What does Mrs Burling notice about Sheila in Act Two?

  Sheila is upset and affected
• What does the inspector say about the impressionability of young people?

  Young ones are more impressionable
• Where does Gerald first meet Eva, known as Daisy?

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

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

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

  She was sacked from Burling and Milwood
• What does Gerald arrange for Daisy after learning about her struggles?

  Food to be brought to her
• How does Gerald describe his feelings towards Daisy?

  He is unsure if he was in love
• What does Gerald do when he has to leave on business?

  He breaks up with Daisy
• What does the inspector reveal about Daisy's diary?

  She went to the seaside to think of Gerald
• What does Sheila do after hearing Gerald's story?

  She hands back the engagement ring
• What does Mrs Burling claim when shown a photograph of Eva?

  She does not recognize the girl
• How does Mr Burling react to the inspector's authority?

  He demands an apology from the inspector
• What key message does Priestly convey through the inspector?

  Social responsibility is crucial
• What does Sheila recap during the inspector's interrogation?

  The chain of events leading to Eva's death
• What does Mrs Burling admit about seeing Eva Smith?

  She saw her two weeks ago
• Why does Mrs Burling refuse to help Eva?

  She took offense at Eva's name
• What does Mrs Burling claim about Eva's marital status?

  She pretended to be married
• How does Mrs Burling react to the inspector's reminders of Eva's death?

  She shows no remorse whatsoever
• What is Mr Burling primarily concerned about?

  His reputation and potential Knighthood
• How does Mrs Burling attempt to deflect blame?

  She blames her husband and daughter
• What does the inspector suggest about the money given to Eva?

  It may have been stolen
• What realization does Mrs Burling come to about Eric?

  He is the father of Eva's child
• How does Sheila react to the revelations about Eric?

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

  Eric