An Inspector Calls

Act 02 – pages 181 to 186 -- By J.B. Priestley

The theme of Act 02 : Morality – A sense of knowing what is right and wrong

More revelation

The Inspector points out the hypocrisy in Gerald’s wanting to protect Sheila from unpleasant things, in light of his
previous activities with Daisy Renton. It is clear that Gerald only wants Sheila to leave so that she won’t hear more
about his infidelity.

Previously so content and apparently in love, Gerald and Sheila have become increasingly antagonistic with one
another since the revelation of Gerald’s affair. The Inspector makes another general remark about the necessity of
sharing guilt, which renews suspicion about his unusual investigative methods and effusive theorizing.

• Sheila - We see a change in the way she speaks. An instant character development in Sheila after she gets
to know what Gerald had done.

“Hysterical” – Shows that Sheila is hurt, and not shying from breaking the engagement. The revelation
changes with the knowledge that Sheila has about Gerald now. She’s having an emotional reaction to an
unfair situation. She continues to question Gerald. (“He means that I’m getting hysterical now”)

• Gerald – We see Gerald becoming uneasy, worked up. In the way Gerald speaks up shows he looks down
upon women as a “patronizing misogynist”. This shows how women were treated during that period and
not being able to deal with emotions. Women during that period had a profound impact on the society.
It is clear that Gerald only wants Sheila to leave so that she won’t hear more about his infidelity.

“And now you want to see somebody else put through it” – Gerald says to Sheila
• In act 01 , We see Gerald as an easy going and calm character, however, now it turns out. He is uneasy
and restless where he shows his bitterness to Sheila and puts the relationship at stake.
• Gerald is having defensive instincts towards Sheila but ironically not towards Eva Smith as the drama
progresses.

INSPECTOR

• Inspector opens space to Sheila to voice her own needs. Mrs. Birling seems to treat Sheila under the
gnomes of society. He becomes the voice for women’s rights and speaks on behalf of all women.
• Purpose of his visit : bringing justice to the death of Daisy Renton.

Page 184

• Sheila realizes that Gerald is a philanderer (womanizer)

• Sheila say, “And this is just the wrong time not to believe me”
- Shows a very outspoken attitude
- Challenging authority
 • In act 02, Eric represents a socialist idea that everyone has a right to demand.
• Capitalist : Mr. Birling when he refuses to take responsibility by Eva Smith’s plight (no ready to change his
mind about it.

INSPECTOR

• “She feels responsibility”

- A good sign
- Shows that is troubled

Shown by the hyphens which indicate a sense of troublesome

Page 185

Throughout, we see the Inspector being in charge of the situation. Not letting any to intimidate him. He’s fully in
charge of the situation.

MRS BIRLING

• So much attention drawn to this character.

• The arrogance which is a social part which she hails from. She looks down upon everybody. She thinks she
is mightier.
• Mrs Birling is the one with whose the most-class conscious. She wears that constantly and is very aware of
that. She takes that a very condescending tone :when he speaks to the Inspector.
• The idea that Mrs Birling is pretending is very pretentious.

CONTRADICT BETWEEN SHEILA AND MRS BIRLING

• In the way Sheila and Mrs. Birling contradict with each other shows how both have a weak relationship
where Mrs. Birling treats Sheila as a child.

Sheila – real
Mrs. Birling – pretense

• “Child” – trying to gain more authority and not giving respect to Sheila
- The way she dismisses and continues to treat her like a child
- Sheila challenges the authority. She says this indirectly.

Page 186

Mrs. Birling – “Girls of that class” : shows how she sets herself apart from the lower class to gain more superiority.