Analysis of Act Three - Was it a Hoax?

Question 1

What is Gerald’s “special reason” for coming back to the Birlings’ house?

Answer 1

Gerald found out from another policeman that Inspector Goole wasn’t a real inspector.

Question 2

Who claims that they were the only person “who didn’t give in to” the Inspector? Do you think it’s true that this character didn’t give in?

Answer 2

Sybil claims she was the only person not to give in. E.g. In a way, she did “give in” because she let the Inspector lead her into condemning Eric. Her reaction to finding out about Eric’s involvement suggests that the Inspector has successfully taught her something.

Question 3

Why does Gerald think that Eva / Daisy might be “four or five different girls”?

Answer 3

Gerald thinks Eva / Daisy might be different girls because the Inspector showed her photograph separately to different characters and claimed that she had changed her name. They could have all been shown different photographs and met different girls.

Question 4

Describe how the mood of the play changes after Gerald comes back.

Answer 4

• There is a lively, almost
  relaxed mood among
  Arthur, Sybil and Gerald
  because they think they
  have found the Inspector
  out and solved the mystery.
• Sheila and Eric become
  increasingly angry and
  frustrated with their
  parents.
• There is some tension as
  the sense of mystery
  increases about who the
  Inspector was.

Question 5

Arthur is described three times as speaking “eagerly” when Gerald suggests the Inspector was a hoax. What does this suggest about how well he’s learnt the Inspector’s message?

Answer 5

This suggests that Arthur hasn’t understood the Inspector’s message at all, because he thinks that everything can go back to normal if it turns out the Inspector was a fake. He is only concerned with protecting his reputation by avoiding a scandal.