Analysis of Act Two - Sybil Gets Involved

Question 1

According to the Inspector, why does Sheila want to stay and hear the full story of what happened to Eva / Daisy?

Answer 1

The Inspector says that Sheila wants to stay because “She feels responsible” for Eva / Daisy’s death. If she stays, she will be able to share her responsibility with the others.

Question 2

What do Sheila and Gerald reveal to Sybil about Eric at the start of Act Two?

Answer 2

They reveal to Sybil that Eric drinks too much.

Question 3

When Sybil comes into the room, she is described as being “out of key” with the scene that has just taken place. What do you think this means?

Answer 3

This means the way Sybil talks and acts seems wrong, given that the other characters have been learning about Eva / Daisy’s tragic death. The mood in the dining room has changed since Sybil left, but she walks in “self-confidently”, unaware of unpleasant atmosphere.

Question 4

What effect does Sybil’s way of speaking to other characters in Act Two have on the audience? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer 4

Sybil’s way of speaking might turn the audience against her because she appears stubborn and rude — she tells the Inspector that he is being “impertinent” (disrespectful) and she exclaims “Really, Sheila!” in an “annoyed” tone when Sheila is trying to help.

Question 5

Do you think Sheila and Gerald change between the start of the play and the arrival of Sybil at the beginning of Act Two? Explain your answer.

Answer 5

• Sheila and Gerald both
  change by the start of Act
  Two. They’ve become less
  sure of themselves
  because they know that
  they were involved in Eva /
  Daisy’s death.
• Sheila shows a greater
  awareness of what
  everyone is saying — she
  is worried that her mother
  might say something that
  she’ll “be sorry for
  afterwards”.
• Gerald is behaving less
  politely to the Birlings — he
  interrupts Sybil
  “impatiently”.