Analysis of Act Two - The Inspector's Trap Flashcards
Why is Arthur concerned by Sybil’s decision to refuse Eva / Daisy help?
Arthur is concerned about the family’s reputation — he’s worried that Sybil’s actions could create a scandal, since “The Press might easily take it up”.
What makes Eric’s entrance at the end of Act Two dramatic?
Eric’s entrance is dramatic because he arrives just after his family has realised his secret. The fact that he arrives looking “distressed” just before the curtain falls also creates tension.
Why do you think Sybil falls into the Inspector’s trap?
Sybil falls into the trap because she is too stubborn and defensive to listen to Sheila’s warnings or to see what the Inspector is doing. She also cannot imagine that the father of Eva / Daisy’s child could be someone like Eric, so she thinks she has nothing to fear by blaming the father for what has happened.
Sybil doesn’t believe that someone like Eva / Daisy could have “elaborate fine feelings”. What does this suggest about her attitude to working-class women?
It suggests Sybil is prejudiced against working-class women and believes that they don’t know how to act morally or think about anyone other than themselves. She also believes that it is in their nature to lie and steal. This is ironic as it’s actually Sybil who doesn’t know how to act morally or think of anyone but herself.
Sheila is the first person to spot the Inspector’s trap. What does this suggest about how her character has developed by the end of Act Two?
This suggests that Sheila has become more mature and less self-centred —she is able to see the truth about Eric before her parents do because she’s listened carefully and read the situation. It also suggests that she is using her intelligence — she realises that the whole family are involved in Eva / Daisy’s death
