Plot Summary - Act One

Question 1

What is the special occasion that the Birlings are celebrating in Act 1?

Answer 1

Sheila and Gerald’s engagement.

Question 2

What is Mr Birling’s first speech in Act 1 at the party?

Answer 2

He announces how happy he is about the engagement as he thinks it will advance his business.

Question 3

What is Mr Birling’s second speech in Act 1 at the party?

Answer 3

He discusses what a good time in the world this is. He is confident that war will not happen.

Question 4

Who leaves the dining room while Mr Birling and Gerald speak?

Answer 4

Mrs Birling, Sheila and Eric.

Question 5

What do Gerald and Mr Birling discuss?

Answer 5

The engagement.

Question 6

Why does Lady Croft (Geralds Mother) disapprove the engagement?

Answer 6

As Gerald will be marrying scocially beneath him.

Question 7

When with Gerald, what does Mr Birling make a speech about?

Answer 7

“A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself - and his family too”

Question 8

When Birling is giving the speech to Gerald, what happens?

Answer 8

He is interrupted by Inspector Goole

Question 9

Inspector Goole says that Eva Smith has died because she..?

Answer 9

Committed suicide by drinking ‘strong disinfectant’.

Question 10

Mr Birling tries to assert his superiority over?

Answer 10

Inspector Goole.

Question 11

What information does Inspector Goole get out of Mr Birling (about Eva Smith)?

Answer 11

He reveals that Eva Smith worked at his factory and he fired her for leading a group of women asking for a pay rise.

Question 12

(During Mr B’s interrogation)

At this point, Gerald is on whos side?

Answer 12

Mr Birling’s.

Question 13

(During Mr Birling’s interrogation)

At this point, Eric is on whos side?

Answer 13

Eva’s.

Question 14

When Sheila enters the room, what happens?

Answer 14

Inspector Goole proceeds to interrogate her.

Question 15

What did Sheila do to Eva?

Answer 15

She had Eva fired from Milwards as she thought that Eva laughed at her when trying on a dress.

Question 16

When the Inspector revealed that Eva changed her name to Daisy Renton, who was startled?

Answer 16

Gerald.

Question 17

The Inspector leaves the room and Sheila?

Answer 17

Quizzes Gerald on his connection with Daisy Renton.

Question 18

Sheila finds out that?

Answer 18

Gerald was romantically in love with Daisy Renton the summer that he had been ignoring Sheila.

Question 19

What does Gerald beg Sheila to do?

Answer 19

To not tell the Inspector about his connection with her.

Question 20

Which characters does the Inspector interrogate on their connection with Eva Smith?

Answer 20

Sheila and Mr Birling.

Question 21

“So im really responsible?” - Sheila

Answer 21

Sheilas first reaction to the Inspectors questioning is to accept responsibility for her actions. She is very worried how the experience affects her but acknowledges her part in Eva’s suicide. This contrasts to Mr Birlings complete denial.

Question 22

“is it the one you wanted me to have… now I really feel engaged.” - Sheila

Answer 22

She doesn’t feel properly engaged until she gets the ring. Upper class women got a fancy ring - to show that someone other than their father owned them. Now that she has the ring, she feels the ownership that comes with it. Gerald decides on the ring not her - shows his wealth and status with an expensive symbol.

Question 23

“Why - you fool - he knows!” - Sheila

Answer 23

Exclamations shows that Sheila realizes that Goole has good judgement and is smart. Shows that they cannot hide from him - he knows all of the answers and how they are involved. She knows Goole is asking questions to get them to realize their art in the suicide. She shows maturity and intelligence.

Question 24

“A man has to make his own way…” - Mr Birling

Answer 24

Priestly uses Birling to highlight capitalist views. Before the Inspector arrives, Birling encourages them to only think about themselves and no one else in society. He feels that people can only be responsible for themselves. He believe it people fail, its their own fault.

Question 25

“I cant accept any responsibility” - Mr Birling

Answer 25

Through the play he refuses to accept that he played any part in Eva’s death. Argues that his part was to small to contribute to her death.This implies that Eva’s misfortune was her own. Birling shows upper class pre-war attitudes of denial - he won’t accept the blame. He refuses to acknowledge the consequences.