Key plot details

• Plot:

  Key details

  A) investigates

  B) sacked

  C) responsible

  D) affair

  E) refused

  F) father

  G) imposter

  
• Before the play begins, Priestley gives detailed instructions on how the play should be staged. The action takes place in a single room with few adjustments needed during the performance. The stage directions specify that the house is 'not cosy and homelike' and the lighting needs to become 'brighter and harder' once the Inspector arrives. The first of the three acts opens with the Birling family and Gerald Croft celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling and Gerald.

  
• Mr Birling makes a speech

  During the speech he reveals how happy he is that Sheila is marrying Gerald because Gerald’s parents are wealthy business owners. Mr Birling feels this marriage will be to his advantage, he boasts that he is to be considered for a knighthood. It is important to realise that the audience of 1945 would pick up on the fact that a lot of what Mr Birling says is incorrect. Priestley give in the opening scene that things are not as positive as they might appear in the Birling house.
• Eva was sacked from the Birling factory


  The Inspector informs the family “Two hours ago a young woman died in the Infirmary. She’d been taken there this afternoon because she’d swallowed a lot of strong disinfectant. Burnt her inside out, of course”

  The family is shocked but unsure of their involvement. The Inspector reveals that Eva worked at Mr. Birling's factory and was fired for demanding higher pay. The Inspector suggests a chain of events led to her suicide.

  
• Sheila Birling and Eva Smith


  The Inspector reveals that Eva Smith, a victim of Mr Birling's sacking, had no family and was out of work for two months. Sheila, deeply affected by the news, recalls making a complaint about a worker at Milwards, which led to Eva's second dismissal. Sheila is ashamed of her actions.

  
• Gerald and Eva Smith

  The Inspector informs Gerald that Eva Smith changed her name to Daisy Renton after being sacked from Milwards. Gerald admits to having an affair with Daisy over the summer, which led to his absence from Sheila. Sheila, respecting Gerald's honesty, returns his engagement ring. Gerald had taken care of Daisy, providing her with money and accommodation. Sheila had stronger feelings for him and was devastated when Gerald ended the relationship.
• Mrs Birling and her involvement

  The Inspector reveals that Daisy lived by the sea for two months after an affair with Gerald, keeping the diary he found. Mrs. Birling was a member of the Brumley Women's Charity Organisation, and Eva is revealed to be pregnant. The Inspector questions her, and it turns out that Daisy had approached the charity seeking help. Mrs. Birling claims that the man who got her pregnant should be made an example. Sheila knows the truth and asks her mother to stop talking.