Inspector Goole begins questioning the family about their connections to Eva Smith, the young woman who committed suicide. His methodical approach is evident as he states, "One person and one line of enquiry at a time. Otherwise there's a muddle."

Mr. Birling is the first to be interrogated. He admits to firing Eva from his factory when she led a strike for higher wages. He justifies his actions, saying "The girl had been causing trouble in the works. It was quite justified." This reveals his prioritization of profits over workers' wellbeing.

Quote: "If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we'd had anything to do with, it would be very awkward." - Mr. Birling

Sheila is questioned next. She confesses to having Eva fired from her job at Milwards department store out of jealousy and spite. Unlike her father, Sheila shows genuine remorse for her actions.

Quote: "But I felt rotten about it at the time and now I feel a lot worse." - Sheila

The Inspector's questioning technique becomes clear - he already knows the answers but forces the family to admit their involvement themselves. This creates tension and suspense as the characters realize the extent of the Inspector's knowledge.

Highlight: The contrast between Mr. Birling's lack of remorse and Sheila's genuine regret highlights the generational divide in attitudes towards social responsibility.

The Inspector turns his attention to Gerald Croft, Sheila's fiancé. Despite initial denials, Gerald is forced to admit his affair with Eva Smith, whom he knew as Daisy Renton.

Gerald recounts how he met Eva at a bar and set her up as his mistress in an apartment. He claims his intentions were good, stating "All she wanted was to talk - a little friendliness." However, Sheila sarcastically points out the power imbalance in their relationship:

Quote: "You were the wonderful fairy prince. You must have adored it, Gerald." - Sheila

This revelation strains Gerald and Sheila's relationship, though Sheila shows a surprising maturity in her response:

Quote: "I rather respect you more than I've ever done before." - Sheila

Mrs. Birling reacts with disgust to the "disgusting affair," revealing her classist attitudes. The Inspector chastises her, emphasizing the play's theme of social responsibility:

Quote: "Public men, Mr. Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges." - Inspector Goole

The Inspector's questioning technique continues to build tension, as he reveals information piece by piece, forcing the characters to confront their actions and attitudes.

Highlight: The revelations about Gerald's affair further fracture the family's façade of respectability and highlight the exploitation of working-class women by upper-class men.

The Inspector turns to Mrs. Birling, revealing that she encountered Eva Smith in her role on a charitable committee. Mrs. Birling admits to denying Eva aid when she came seeking help, pregnant and desperate.

Mrs. Birling's lack of empathy is evident in her statement:

Quote: "I'm very sorry. But I think she had only herself to blame." - Mrs. Birling

She justifies her actions based on class prejudice, referring dismissively to "Girls of that class." The Inspector challenges her attitudes, breaking down the "wall" she tries to build between herself and Eva.

As the questioning progresses, it becomes clear that Eric, the Birling's son, is implicated in Eva's pregnancy. This revelation shocks the family, particularly Mrs. Birling, who had just insisted that the father of Eva's child should be held responsible.

Quote: "Go and look for the father of the child. It's his responsibility." - Mrs. Birling

The dramatic irony of Mrs. Birling condemning her own son without realizing it creates intense tension. Sheila, showing growing awareness, recognizes the cruelty of her mother's actions:

Quote: "Mother, I think it was cruel and vile." - Sheila

Highlight: Mrs. Birling's involvement reveals the callousness of the upper classes towards the struggles of the poor, while the revelation about Eric sets up the final confrontation of the play.

Mrs. Birling's harsh judgment and Eric's involvement with Eva Smith come to light, creating dramatic irony and tension.

Quote: "Mother, I think it was cruel and vile" - Sheila

Highlight: The Inspector's timing in revealing information builds dramatic tension effectively.

Example: Mrs. Birling's condemnation of the unknown father (her own son) demonstrates dramatic irony.

The play opens at the Birling family home, described as a "fairly large suburban house" that is "heavily comfortable, but not cosy." The family is celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft.

Mr. Birling, a "prosperous manufacturer," dominates the conversation with his capitalist views. He dismisses concerns about potential war or labor unrest, confidently stating "There isn't a chance of war." His pompous predictions about the unsinkable Titanic and hopes for a knighthood establish his arrogance and shortsightedness.

Quote: "You'll hear some people say that war's inevitable. And to that I say - fiddlesticks!" - Mr. Birling

The family dynamics are revealed through dialogue and stage directions. Mrs. Birling chides Sheila for her modern attitudes, while Eric appears drunk. Gerald is praised as the ideal son-in-law by Mr. Birling.

Highlight: The comfortable but not cozy setting and Mr. Birling's confident predictions create dramatic irony, as the audience knows these views will soon be shattered.

The celebratory mood is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole. He informs them a young woman has died after swallowing disinfectant, beginning his methodical inquiry into the family's past actions.

Quote: "A chain of events." - Inspector Goole