Plot Summary - Act One Flashcards
What is the special occasion that the Birlings are celebrating in Act 1?
Sheila and Gerald’s engagement.
What is Mr Birling’s first speech in Act 1 at the party?
He announces how happy he is about the engagement as he thinks it will advance his business.
What is Mr Birling’s second speech in Act 1 at the party?
He discusses what a good time in the world this is. He is confident that war will not happen.
Who leaves the dining room while Mr Birling and Gerald speak?
Mrs Birling, Sheila and Eric.
What do Gerald and Mr Birling discuss?
The engagement.
Why does Lady Croft (Geralds Mother) disapprove the engagement?
As Gerald will be marrying scocially beneath him.
When with Gerald, what does Mr Birling make a speech about?
“A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself - and his family too”
When Birling is giving the speech to Gerald, what happens?
He is interrupted by Inspector Goole
Inspector Goole says that Eva Smith has died because she..?
Committed suicide by drinking ‘strong disinfectant’.
Mr Birling tries to assert his superiority over?
Inspector Goole.
What information does Inspector Goole get out of Mr Birling (about Eva Smith)?
He reveals that Eva Smith worked at his factory and he fired her for leading a group of women asking for a pay rise.
(During Mr B’s interrogation)
At this point, Gerald is on whos side?
Mr Birling’s.
(During Mr Birling’s interrogation)
At this point, Eric is on whos side?
Eva’s.
When Sheila enters the room, what happens?
Inspector Goole proceeds to interrogate her.
What did Sheila do to Eva?
She had Eva fired from Milwards as she thought that Eva laughed at her when trying on a dress.
When the Inspector revealed that Eva changed her name to Daisy Renton, who was startled?
Gerald.
The Inspector leaves the room and Sheila?
Quizzes Gerald on his connection with Daisy Renton.
Sheila finds out that?
Gerald was romantically in love with Daisy Renton the summer that he had been ignoring Sheila.
What does Gerald beg Sheila to do?
To not tell the Inspector about his connection with her.
Which characters does the Inspector interrogate on their connection with Eva Smith?
Sheila and Mr Birling.
“So im really responsible?” - Sheila
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.
“is it the one you wanted me to have… now I really feel engaged.” - Sheila
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.
“Why - you fool - he knows!” - Sheila
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.
“A man has to make his own way…” - Mr Birling
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.
“I cant accept any responsibility” - Mr Birling
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.
