Act 1 (part 1 )

• Current situation


  The Birling family has just finished Dinner and there is a happy atmosphere. The Birlings' guest is Gerald Croft who is part of an aristocratic family and Sheila's fiancé. Currently they are celebrating the couple's engagement
• Setting:


  the play is set in 1912, in the industrial city Brumley. The opening stage directions reveal that the play takes place in the large Suburban house of a wealthy business man. 
• Characters:


  after birling has congratulate the young couple, he is seen to be making a speech about 1912s social and political climate. He and herald are then left alone for a while and talk about aspirations. It is made evident that Gerald and the Birlings are ‘pleased with themselves’ a view themselves as ‘respectable citizens’ 
• What happened to Eva Smith

  1. Mr Birling sacked her from his factory 2 years ago in September 1910

  2. She led a strike with a group of women asking for a pay rise of two and a half shillings a week

  3. The strike was unsuccessful

  4. The ringleaders including Eva were sacked
• What changes the situation:

  inspector Goole arrive and the audience is told about a young woman called Eva smith who committed suicide. The inspector is appeared to be confident, abrupt, and mysterious. Mr birling is seen to be defending his actions and with Gerald agreeing with him. Hearing Eva’s story Eric feels sorry for Eva resulting in him causing conflict between him and birling. The inspector is clearly on Eva’s side which infuriates Mr birling as he thinks that he is justified in his actions. At this point Sheila enters the room.