Plot Summary Flashcards
A summary of act 1 part 1?
The billings are celebrating and they are very happy.
The inspector interrupts to discuss Eva Smith’s suicide.
Eva was sacked 2 years ago from Mr Birling’s factory.
The discussion of the suicide cause conflict on stage between Mr Birling, Eric and the Inspector.
A summary of act 1 part 2?
Sheila feels sorry for Eva Smith.
Sheila confesses that she complained about the girl and got her sacked from Milwards.
Eva Smith changed her name to Daisy Renton.
Gerald admits to Sheila that he had an affair with Daisy.
A summary of act 2 part 1?
Gerald still hopes to hide his involvement with Eva/Daisy.
The Inspector tells Gerald and Sheila that they are all responsible.
Mrs Birling behaves in a superior way to the Inspector, Gerald and Sheila.
Gerald reveals the details of his affair with Daisy, and Sheila breaks off the engagement.
A summary of act 2 part 2?
Eva was pregnant and asked Mrs Birling’s charity for help.
Mrs Birling didn’t like the girl and used her influence to have the claim rejected.
The inspector manipulates Mrs Birling into stating that the father of Eva’s child is entirely to blame for her death.
The audience and the characters on stage gradually realise that Eric is the father.
A summary of act 3 part 1?
Eric meets Eva and made her pregnant.
Eric accuses his mother of killing Eva and the baby, and says his father is unapproachable.
The Inspector reminds the Birlings that they are all responsible for Eva Smith’s death.
The Inspector states his belief that all the members of society need to look after each other.
A summary of act 3 part 2?
Gerald reveals that the Inspector wasn’t a real police officer.
They find out that there is no dead girl at the infirmary.
Arthur, Sybil and Gerald relax, thinking everything can be covered up and forgotten.
Sheila and Eric still feel guilty and cannot understand the others’ behaviour.
The play ends with a phone call from the police saying a girl has died and an inspector is on his way to the house.
