Analysis of Act One - Eva Smith is Daisy Renton

• Analysis of Act One - Eva Smith is Daisy Renton

  Priestley ends Act One with the Inspector’s reappearance because it makes the audience wonder how much the Inspector already knows, and how much there is yet to dine out. Priestley’s keeping his audience alert
• Sheila and Eric are sympathetic


  1. Eric points out the hypocrisy of sacking Eva Smith for asking for higher wages because the Birling company “try for the highest possible prices”

  2. Eric and Sheila give emotional responses to the Inspector’s story, while their parents show no sympathy

  3. Sheila’s repeatedly told to leave the room by both her parents - she stays because she feels it’s her duty to stay to hear the whole story and to find out who’s responsible

  Hypocrisy is when someone’s actions don’t match what they claim to believe
• Theme - Young and Old


  The Birlings don’t think a young woman should hear this grim story. However, Sheila’s a young woman who thinks for herself and breaks away from her parents’ traditional views
• Eva Smith changes her name to Daisy Renton

  1. The Inspector explains that after being sacked from Milwards Eva Smith decided to change her name

  . Perhaps Eva Smith needed a dramatic change to escape her past

  . Or maybe this is just the Inspector spinning a tale to link two separate women

  . Either way, the name Daisy Rentons’ a fresh sounding name for a fresh start. But ‘under the daisies’ was a euphemism for being dead. And ‘renting’ suggests prostitution. Maybe the name isn’t so fresh after all.

  2. Gerald is “startled” - he recognises the name
• Gerald


  Confesses to Sheila
• Events after Gerald's confession

  1. Eric and the Inspector leave to find Birling

  2. Sheila questions Gerald
• Gerald's affair with Daisy


  Over and done with last summer
• Gerald suggests


  They should keep the affair a secret so that it doesn't become a scandal
• Sheila is sure the Inspector knows everything already
• Sheila is worried about how much the Inspector knows that they don't know yet
• Gerald and Sheila get more anxious and suspicious
• The tension heightens
• The Inspector's actions


  1. Slowly opens the door

  2. Looks "searchingly" as if he can read their expressions

  3. Says only one word "Well?"
• The Inspector's one word "Well?" confirms he's in control and expects something from them
• After Gerald's confession, Sheila is described as looking at Gerald "almost in triumph"
• Sheila believes the Inspector is aware of Gerald's affair
• This stage direction hints at Sheila's anger towards Gerald
• It suggests Sheila is pleased that Gerald will be judged by the Inspector, regardless of the potential consequences for their upcoming wedding and his reputation
• It shows how, even early on in the play, Sheila has already chosen to side with the Inspector