Summary

• Mr Birling:

  Got Eva sacked from his factory for asking for higher wages.
• Sheila:

  Got Eva sacked from Milwards as she thought she was smirking at her.
• Gerald:

  Had an affair with her over the summer and gave her money.
• Mrs Birling:

  Refused to help her from the charity even though she was pregnant.
• Eric:

  Was the father of her child and stole money from Mr Birling's business to help her.
• The Inspector:

  Vocalises what happened to her - acting as a vehicle to vocalise her injustice.
• Act 1:

  • Starts in the Birling's dining room celebrating the engagement of Sheila and Gerald Croft. Mr Birling is clearly egotistical and is constantly talking about the war and titanic.
  • Inspector arrives, interrupting Mr Birling's speech and celebration. Reveals Eva Smith has commited suicide from drinking disinfectant. All are shocked and deny knowing her. Revealed that Mr Birling knew her and sacked her from his factory for demanding higher wages. Sheila is distressed at her father's contribution and dismissive behaviour.
  • Revealed that Shelia had her sacked from Milwards. Sheila is very upset and shows intense remorse. Gerald sees that the Inspector is getting everyone to confess so decides to confess to Sheila that he had a relationship with Eva. Begs her not to tell inspector.
• Act 2:

  (Eric is absent)

  • Gerald admits to his affair with Eva. Met her at the Palace bar. Had an affair over the summer but Gerald ended it, giving her money so she has enough until the end of the year. Sheila returns the engagement ring.
  • Mrs Birling is questioned and is revealed that she, as head of a charity, turned away a desperate and pregnant Eva Smith. Tells Eva that the father is responsible. She remains ignorant and has no remorse for Eva's suicide, continuing to support the fact that the father's responsibility.
• Act 3:

  • Revealed that Eric is the father. Met Eva at the Palace bar, where she ended up pregnant. He stole money from Mr Birlings business to support her and his unborn child. Eva refused to take the money as she knew it was stolen. Contrasts depictions of lower class being thieving and immoral.
  • Inspector delivers a final speech about responsibility, social inequality and compassion to the Birlings. Is a warning because he states that if they dont change there will be severe consequences to their actions.
  • Gerald reveals there was no inspector Goole at the police force he claimed to be from. Mr and Mrs birling are celebrating that they wont have to hide this "public scandal". Sheila and eric are appalled at their attitude towards the suicide.
  • They receive a phone call from the local police station to inform him that a young girl has died and is on her way to the infirmary. Another Inspector will be calling...