An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley is a powerful play... Show more
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✨Zara✨
07/08/2025
English Literature
An Inspector Calls: Plot Summaries
802
•
7 Aug 2025
•
An Inspector Calls: Inspector Goole and Eva Smith Analysis and Quotes
✨Zara✨
@zara_miah19
The Birling Women and Eva Smith
The investigation continues, revealing deeper connections between the Birling family and Eva Smith.
Sheila Birling's Involvement
Sheila recalls making a complaint about a worker at Milwards department store. The Inspector confirms that this worker was Eva Smith, leading to her second job loss.
Quote: "Sheila is horrified when she finds out that her complaint led to Eva being sacked for a second time."
Sheila's honest account of the incident demonstrates her growing awareness of the consequences of her actions. She admits to feeling jealous when Eva smiled while Sheila tried on an unflattering dress.
Highlight: Sheila's shame and remorse mark a significant character development, contrasting with her parents' reluctance to accept responsibility.
Gerald Croft's Affair
The Inspector reveals that Eva Smith changed her name to Daisy Renton after losing her job at Milwards. Gerald Croft, initially hesitant, admits to having an affair with Daisy over the summer.
Example: Gerald's relationship with Daisy included providing her with money and accommodation, showing a mix of genuine care and exploitation.
Gerald's confession strains his relationship with Sheila, but her mature response indicates her growing understanding of social responsibility.
Mrs. Birling's Rejection
Mrs. Birling, a member of the Brumley Women's Charity Organisation, is forced to admit that she had encountered Eva/Daisy just two weeks earlier. The pregnant Eva had sought help from the charity, but Mrs. Birling had refused her request.
Quote: "Mrs. Birling claims that the man who got her pregnant should be made an example of."
This statement foreshadows the revelation of Eric's involvement, adding to the dramatic tension.
Eric's Confession
Eric, the Birling's son, confesses to his relationship with Eva/Daisy. He admits to drinking heavily and pressuring her into a sexual encounter.
Highlight: Eric's shame and honesty contrast with his parents' attempts to avoid responsibility, further emphasizing the generational divide in social awareness.
These revelations demonstrate how each family member's actions contributed to Eva Smith's tragic fate, highlighting Priestley's themes of social responsibility and the interconnectedness of society.
Act One: The Birlings' Celebration
The play opens with the Birling family celebrating Sheila Birling's engagement to Gerald Croft. Set in a single room, the stage directions emphasize the lack of coziness in the Birling household, foreshadowing the uncomfortable revelations to come.
Highlight: The stage directions specify that the lighting should become "brighter and harder" once the Inspector arrives, symbolizing the harsh truths about to be exposed.
Mr. Birling, the family patriarch, gives a speech revealing his materialistic values and shortsightedness. He expresses satisfaction with Sheila's marriage to Gerald, viewing it as a business advantage.
Quote: "As it is a happy occasion, Mr. Birling takes the opportunity to make a speech."
Example: Mr. Birling's statements about the impossibility of war and the unsinkability of the Titanic demonstrate dramatic irony, as the 1945 audience would know these predictions to be false.
The celebration is interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole, who brings news of a young woman's suicide. This marks the beginning of a tense investigation that will unravel the family's secrets.
Vocabulary: Dramatic irony - a literary device where the audience knows something important that the characters do not.
The Investigation Begins
Inspector Goole reveals that a girl named Eva Smith has taken her own life by drinking disinfectant. He systematically questions each family member, exposing their connections to Eva:
- Mr. Birling had fired Eva from his factory for leading a strike for better wages.
- Sheila Birling had Eva fired from her job at Milwards department store out of jealousy and spite.
Quote: "Sheila feels responsible for her death."
- Gerald Croft, Sheila's fiancé, confesses to having an affair with Eva (who was using the name Daisy Renton).
Highlight: Sheila's reaction to Gerald's confession shows her growing maturity and sense of responsibility, as she respects his honesty despite the pain it causes her.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
An Inspector Calls: Inspector Goole and Eva Smith Analysis and Quotes
✨Zara✨
@zara_miah19
An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley is a powerful play that explores themes of social responsibility, class, and morality through the investigation of a young woman's suicide. The story revolves around the Birling family and their connections to Eva... Show more
The Birling Women and Eva Smith
The investigation continues, revealing deeper connections between the Birling family and Eva Smith.
Sheila Birling's Involvement
Sheila recalls making a complaint about a worker at Milwards department store. The Inspector confirms that this worker was Eva Smith, leading to her second job loss.
Quote: "Sheila is horrified when she finds out that her complaint led to Eva being sacked for a second time."
Sheila's honest account of the incident demonstrates her growing awareness of the consequences of her actions. She admits to feeling jealous when Eva smiled while Sheila tried on an unflattering dress.
Highlight: Sheila's shame and remorse mark a significant character development, contrasting with her parents' reluctance to accept responsibility.
Gerald Croft's Affair
The Inspector reveals that Eva Smith changed her name to Daisy Renton after losing her job at Milwards. Gerald Croft, initially hesitant, admits to having an affair with Daisy over the summer.
Example: Gerald's relationship with Daisy included providing her with money and accommodation, showing a mix of genuine care and exploitation.
Gerald's confession strains his relationship with Sheila, but her mature response indicates her growing understanding of social responsibility.
Mrs. Birling's Rejection
Mrs. Birling, a member of the Brumley Women's Charity Organisation, is forced to admit that she had encountered Eva/Daisy just two weeks earlier. The pregnant Eva had sought help from the charity, but Mrs. Birling had refused her request.
Quote: "Mrs. Birling claims that the man who got her pregnant should be made an example of."
This statement foreshadows the revelation of Eric's involvement, adding to the dramatic tension.
Eric's Confession
Eric, the Birling's son, confesses to his relationship with Eva/Daisy. He admits to drinking heavily and pressuring her into a sexual encounter.
Highlight: Eric's shame and honesty contrast with his parents' attempts to avoid responsibility, further emphasizing the generational divide in social awareness.
These revelations demonstrate how each family member's actions contributed to Eva Smith's tragic fate, highlighting Priestley's themes of social responsibility and the interconnectedness of society.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Act One: The Birlings' Celebration
The play opens with the Birling family celebrating Sheila Birling's engagement to Gerald Croft. Set in a single room, the stage directions emphasize the lack of coziness in the Birling household, foreshadowing the uncomfortable revelations to come.
Highlight: The stage directions specify that the lighting should become "brighter and harder" once the Inspector arrives, symbolizing the harsh truths about to be exposed.
Mr. Birling, the family patriarch, gives a speech revealing his materialistic values and shortsightedness. He expresses satisfaction with Sheila's marriage to Gerald, viewing it as a business advantage.
Quote: "As it is a happy occasion, Mr. Birling takes the opportunity to make a speech."
Example: Mr. Birling's statements about the impossibility of war and the unsinkability of the Titanic demonstrate dramatic irony, as the 1945 audience would know these predictions to be false.
The celebration is interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole, who brings news of a young woman's suicide. This marks the beginning of a tense investigation that will unravel the family's secrets.
Vocabulary: Dramatic irony - a literary device where the audience knows something important that the characters do not.
The Investigation Begins
Inspector Goole reveals that a girl named Eva Smith has taken her own life by drinking disinfectant. He systematically questions each family member, exposing their connections to Eva:
- Mr. Birling had fired Eva from his factory for leading a strike for better wages.
- Sheila Birling had Eva fired from her job at Milwards department store out of jealousy and spite.
Quote: "Sheila feels responsible for her death."
- Gerald Croft, Sheila's fiancé, confesses to having an affair with Eva (who was using the name Daisy Renton).
Highlight: Sheila's reaction to Gerald's confession shows her growing maturity and sense of responsibility, as she respects his honesty despite the pain it causes her.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user