Act Three - Summary Flashcards
Briefly summarise the key events of Act Three.
Eric that he forced Eva / Daisy to have sex with him and gave her stolen money after getting pregnant. The Inspector lectures the Birlings about social responsibility and then leaves. Gerald returns and they discover that the Inspector was a fake. The Birlings begin to relax, but then the telephone rings and they’re told that an inspector is on his way to ask them about a girl who killed herself.
How does the way Arthur and Sybil speak change after the Inspector leaves?
After the Inspector leaves, Arthur and Sybil begin to speak arrogantly and “triumphantly”, because they think they’ve discovered that he was a fake. Before this, they often spoke “unhappily” because they were upset and unnerved by the Inspector.
Why do you think Priestley has the Inspector leave so early in Act Three?
Priestley has the Inspector leave early in Act Three so that the audience can see how the different characters react to his visit and whether or not they change as a result.
Which character on stage do you think the audience is most sympathetic towards by the end of Act Three? Explain your answer.
The audience is most sympathetic towards Sheila — she shows regret for her actions and seems to understand that Inspector’s message better than any of the other characters.
How does Eric’s relationship with his parents fall apart during Act Three? Use examples from the play in your answer.
Before act three, Eric has been mostly respectful and shy around his parents, but after his confession, he begins to openly oppose them. He curses at his mother, shouting “damn you” repeatedly, and he tells his parents he’s “ashamed” of them. In return, Arthur threatens to throw Eric out of the house.
