Specific description of At the heart of new

setting and furniture as money and wealth

unwelcoming or Acts - All three Acts, which are continuous, take place in the - inflation of wealth
homely. ‘solid’ and dining-room of the Birlings’ house in Brumley, an industrial for owners and the
‘heavily’ implies city in the North Midlands. It is an evening in spring, 1912. abusive conditions
durability as priority for of the workers.
the family – could The dining-room of a fairly large suburban house, belonging The family is new
suggest they are not to a prosperous manufacturer. It has good solid furniture of money because of
confident in their wealth
the period. The general effect is substantial and heavily industry, which
being permanent as comfortable, but not cosy and homelike. (If a realistic set is impacts their
part of the ‘nouveau social standing.
used, then it should be swung back, as it was in the Old Vic
rich’.
production at the New Theatre. By doing this, you can have
the dining-table centre downstage during Act One, when it is
needed there, and then, swinging back, can reveal the
Implies the family is fireplace for Act Two, and then for Act Three can show a
close and also small table with telephone on it, downstage of fireplace; and
references the romantic by this time the dining-table and its chairs have moved well
and joyful occasion upstage. Producers who wish to avoid this tricky business,
they are celebrating at
which involves two re-settings of the scene and some very
the beginning of the
play.
accurate adjustments of the extra flats necessary, would be
Rose tinted glasses? well advised to dispense with an ordinary realistic set, if only
Seeing their lives in a because the dining-table becomes a nuisance. The lighting
wonderful way without should be pink and intimate until the INSPECTOR arrives,
seeing it clearly until and then it should be brighter and harder.)
the inspector arrives.
 Arthur Birling is
not originally from
Did she marry for love? At rise of curtain, the four BIRLINGS and GERALD are wealth. He had
Did he marry seated at the table, with ARTHUR BIRLING at one end, his adapted to society
strategically? wife at the other, ERIC downstage, and SHEILA and life but his origin
GERALD seated upstage. EDNA, the parlour-maid, is just still shows
clearing the table, which has no cloth, of dessert plates and through. ‘heavy-
champagne glasses, etc., and then replacing them with looking’ implies
decanter of port, cigar box and cigarettes. Port glasses are being sturdy and a
already on the table. All five are in evening dress of the good worker like
on a farm.
Innocent? Naïve? Silly?
period, the men in tails and white ties, not dinner-jackets.
‘provincial’
ARTHUR BIRLING is a heavy-looking, rather portentous suggests he still
man in his middle fifties with fairly easy manners but rather speaks like a rural
provincial in his speech. His wife is about fifty, a rather cold man – possibly not
References strategic woman and her husband’s social superior. SHEILA is a an advanced
marriages within high pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life and vocabulary.
social circles. Implies rather excited. GERALD CROFT is an attractive chap about A glamorous man
both parents are thirty, rather too manly to be a dandy but very much the easy very concerned
wealthy and well well-bred young man-about-town. ERIC is in his early with his
respected in society.
twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive. At the appearance.
moment they have all had a good dinner, are celebrating a Possibly a quite
special occasion, and are pleased with themselves. soft appearance.
Well groomed and
well dressed.
Smug!
Birling is trying BIRLING: Giving us the port, Edna? SHEILA: Yes, go on, Mummy. You must
hard to impress That’s right. [He pushes it towards drink our health.
Gerald and ERIC.] You ought to like this port, Gerald.
As a matter of fact, Finchley told me it’s MRS BIRLING [smiling]: Very well, then.
keep up with his Mrs Birling has to
exactly the same port your father gets Just a little, thank you. [To EDNA, who is
standard of from him. about to go, with tray] All right, Edna. I’ll correct her
living but Gerald ring from the drawing-room when we husband’s
doesn’t really GERALD: Then it’ll be all right. The want coffee. Probably in about half an behaviour. She is
notice. What is governor prides himself on being a good hour. more familiar with
special to judge of port. I don’t pretend to know what is considered
Birling is a much about it. EDNA [going]: Yes, ma’am. polite and
normal standard [EDNA goes out. They now have all the
SHEILA [gaily, possessively]: I should glasses filled. BIRLING beams at them
acceptable in high
to Gerald. society. Shows the
jolly well think not, and clearly relaxes.]
Gerald. I’d hate you to know all about disparity in their
port – like one of these purple-faced old BIRLING: Well, well – this is very nice. natural
men. Very nice. Good dinner too, Sybil. Tell behaviours.
cook from me.
BIRLING: Here, I’m not a purple-faced
old man. GERALD [politely]: Absolutely first-class.

SHEILA: No, not yet. But then you don’t MRS BIRLING [reproachfully]: Arthur,
know all about port – do you? you’re not supposed to say such things –

BIRLING [noticing that his wife has not
taken any]: Now then, Sybil, you must
take a little tonight. Special occasion,
y’know, eh?
Sheila questions her father’s knowledge on
something associated with high society and he
avoids the question. He doesn’t want to expose
himself as less sophisticated. Insecure about his
background?
Suggests reference BIRLING: Oh – come, come – I’m treating SHEILA: I don’t believe I will. [Half
to a previous Gerald like one of the family. And I’m sure he playful, half serious, to GERALD] Meaning drunk –
argument about this won’t object. So you be careful. hinting at more
issue. Relationship issues under the
SHEILA [with mock aggressiveness]: Go on, GERALD: Oh – I will, I will.
may not be perfect? surface of this
Gerald – just you object!
[ERIC suddenly guffaws. His
family.
GERALD [smiling]: Wouldn’t dream of it. In parents look at him.]
fact, I insist upon being one of the family now.
Speaking for her I’ve been trying long enough, haven’t I? [As SHEILA [severely]: Now – what’s
daughter, telling she does not reply, with more insistence] the joke?
her how to feel. Haven’t I? You know I have. Suggests the
ERIC: I don’t know – really. parents don’t
Hinting at issues under MRS BIRLING [smiling]: Of course she does. Suddenly I felt I just had to laugh. really know their
the surface. Makes us children. Eric
question what really SHEILA [half serious, half playful]: Yes – SHEILA: You’re squiffy.
knows something
happened. except for all last summer, when you never
came near me, and I wondered what had ERIC: I’m not.
their parents don’t.
Foreshadowing the
happened to you.
truth being revealed MRS BIRLING: What an
later in the play. GERALD: And I’ve told you – I was awfully expression, Sheila! Really, the Avoiding any
busy at the works all that time. things you girls pick up these
Very traditional gender issues – moving
days!
roles being SHEILA [same tone as before]: Yes, that’s
on to a new more
perpetuated. Implies what you say. ERIC: If you think that’s the best pleasant and
you don’t have the right she can do – shallow topic when
to question your MRS BIRLING: Now, Sheila, don’t tease him. family problems
husband on his When you’re married you’ll realize that men SHEILA: Don’t be an ass, Eric. threaten to come
with important work to do sometimes have to to the surface.
behaviour or
spend nearly all their time and energy on their MRS BIRLING: Now stop it, you
whereabouts. business. You’ll have to get used to that, just two. Arthur, what about this
as I had. famous toast of yours?
Official titles dictating
impressive social
standing.
Very uncommon of
the time – only the
very wealthy could
go abroad.
Hinting at the exploitation
of workers that becomes a
key issue later in the play.
To make high profits the
workers must pay the cost
in having low wages. Also
implies low quality items if
cost is low but they are
being sold for high prices
– is he ripping off his
customers? Does this
make us question his
moral integrity?
A bit confrontational
BIRLING: Yes, of course. [Clears his throat.] Well, Gerald, I towards the patriarchal
know you agreed that we should only have this quiet little leader of the family – is
family party. It’s a pity Sir George and – er – Lady Croft can’t he sick of these social
be with us, but they’re abroad and so it can’t be helped. As I expectations and
told you, they sent me a very nice cable – couldn’t be nicer. I’m routines?
not sorry that we’re celebrating quietly like this –
MRS BIRLING: Much nicer really.
GERALD: I agree. Firm and clear
declarative
BIRLING: So do I, but it makes speech-making more difficult – sentence showing
his authority.
ERIC [not too rudely]: Well, don’t do any. We’ll drink their
health and have done with it.
BIRLING: No, we won’t. It’s one of the happiest nights of my
life. And one day, I hope, Eric, when you’ve a daughter of your Motivation for Birling
own, you’ll understand why. Gerald, I’m going to tell you wanting this marriage
frankly, without any pretences, that your engagement to Sheila to happen is revealed
means a tremendous lot to me. She’ll make you happy, and I’m as a business deal – is
sure you’ll make her happy. You’re just the kind of son-in-law I his daughter just a
always wanted. Your father and I have been friendly rivals in
bargaining chip to him?
business for some time now – though Crofts Limited are both
older and bigger than Birling and Company – and now you’ve
brought us together, and perhaps we may look forward to the
time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are
working together – for lower costs and higher prices.
 GERALD: Hear, hear! And I think my father SHEILA: Chump! I can’t drink to this, can I?
Hinting at an would agree to that. When do I drink?
unfortunate
past for Gerald. MRS BIRLING: Now, Arthur, I don’t think you GERALD: You can drink to me.
Foreshadowing ought to talk business on an occasion like this.
very prevalent SHEILA [quiet and serious now]: All right then.
SHEILA: Neither do I. All wrong. I drink to you, Gerald. [For a moment they She did not
in this scene choose her
look at each other.]
BIRLING: Quite so, I agree with you. I only ring. He has
mentioned it in passing. What I did want to say GERALD [quietly]: Thank you. And I drink to the control
was – that Sheila’s a lucky girl – and I think you – and hope I can make you as happy as and makes
you’re a pretty fortunate young man too, Gerald. you deserve to be. the
decisions in
Eric not GERALD: I know I am – this once anyhow. SHEILA [trying to be light and easy]: You be
careful – or I’ll start weeping. their
engaging in the relationship.
BIRLING [raising his glass]: So here’s wishing
social
the pair of you – the very best that life can bring. GERALD [smiling]: Well, perhaps this will help
conventions of Gerald and Sheila. to stop it. [He produces a ring case.]
the toast. He
also hints at MRS BIRLING [raising her glass, smiling]: Yes, SHEILA [excited]: Oh – Gerald – you’ve got it Childish
secrets in his Gerald. Yes, Sheila darling. Our congratulations – is it the one you wanted me to have? language
sister’s and very best wishes! and
behaviour – GERALD [giving the case to her]: Yes – the seeking
foreshadows GERALD: Thank you. very one.
approval
when they are from
MRS BIRLING: Eric! SHEILA [taking out the ring]: Oh – it’s
later revealed wonderful! Look – Mummy – isn’t it a beauty? parents
ERIC [rather noisily]: All the best! She’s got a Oh – darling – [She kisses GERALD hastily.]
nasty temper sometimes – but she’s not bad
really. Good old Sheila! ERIC: Steady the Buffs!
Mrs Birling is SHEILA [who has put ring on, admiringly]: I When you marry, you’ll be marrying at a very Simple
complicit in her think it’s perfect. Now I really feel engaged. good time. Yes, a very good time – and soon it’ll declarative
own sexist be an even better time. Last month, just statements.
MRS BIRLING: So you ought, darling. It’s a because the miners came out on strike, there’s
oppression. He is
lovely ring. Be careful with it. a lot of wild talk about possible labour trouble in
the near future. Don’t worry. We’ve passed the certain of
SHEILA: Careful! I’ll never let it go out of my worst of it. We employers at last are coming his
sight for an instant. together to see that our interests – and the theories.
interests of Capital – are properly protected. Matter not
MRS BIRLING [smiling]: Well, it came just at And we’re in for a time of steadily increasing open for
the right moment. That was clever of you, prosperity. debate as
Sheila being Gerald. Now, Arthur, if you’ve no more to say, I
shallow his is the
think Sheila and I had better go into the GERALD: I believe you’re right, sir.
drawing-room and leave you men –
final word.
ERIC: What about war?
BIRLING [rather heavily]: I just want to say this.
[Noticing that SHEILA is still admiring her ring] BIRLING: Glad you mentioned it, Eric. I’m
Only sees
Are you listening, Sheila? This concerns you coming to that. Just because the Kaiser makes
too. And after all I don’t often make speeches at thing from
Making certain a speech or two, or a few German officers have
his
you – too much to drink and begin talking nonsense,
everyone is perspective
you’ll hear some people say that war’s
listening. Ego SHEILA: I’m sorry, Daddy. Actually I was inevitable. And to that I say – fiddlesticks! The
– just
causes him to listening. [She looks attentive, as they all do. He Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war, because he
hold everyone holds them for a moment before continuing.] won’t gain
except some half-civilized folks in the Balkans.
he sees no
in silence as if And why? There’s too much at stake these
gain for
he is the king. BIRLING: I’m delighted about this engagement days. Everything to lose and nothing to gain by
and I hope it won’t be too long before you’re anyone.
Lots of self war.
importance. married. And I want to say this. There’s a good
deal of silly talk about these days – but – and I Makes himself sound stupid to
speak as a hard-headed business man, who the audience through dramatic
has to take risks and know what he’s about – I irony as we know this isn’t just
say, you can ignore all this silly pessimistic talk. ‘silly’ talk.
Won’t let his son ERIC: Yes, I know – but still – There’ll be peace and prosperity
speak. Not interested and rapid progress everywhere –
BIRLING: Just let me finish, Eric. You’ve a lot except of course in Russia, which
in others’ opinions.
to learn yet. And I’m talking as a hard-headed, will always be behindhand,
Disrespectful. practical man of business. And I say there isn’t naturally. Does he think he
a chance of war. The world’s developing so fast is omniscient? He
Repeating and that it’ll make war impossible. Look at the MRS BIRLING: Arthur! is so sure of his
adverb to progress we’re making. In a year or two we’ll ability to predict
emphasise his have aeroplanes that will be able to go [As MRS BIRLING shows signs of
the future.
ignorance and anywhere. And look at the way the interrupting]
automobile’s making headway – bigger and Arrogance.
certainty of an
event we already faster all the time. And then ships. Why, a BIRLING: Yes, my dear, I know –
friend of mine went over this new liner last I’m talking too much. But you
know the result of.
week – the Titanic – she sails next week – youngsters just remember what I
Show the audience forty-six thousand eight hundred tons – forty- said. We can’t let these Bernard
we cannot be six thousand eight hundred tons – New York in Shaws and H. G. Wellses do all
certain of the five days – and every luxury – and unsinkable, the talking. We hardheaded
future as it makes absolutely unsinkable. That’s what you’ve got practical business men must say
us look foolish. to keep your eye on, facts like that, progress something sometime. And we
like that – and not a few German officers don’t guess – we’ve had
talking nonsense and a few scaremongers experience – and we know. Traditional
here making a fuss about nothing. Now you manners towards
Further historical three young people, just listen to this – and MRS BIRLING [rising. The others women. A show of
events unknown. remember what I’m telling you now. In twenty rise]: Yes, of course, dear. Well – respect to Mrs
Predicting prosperity or thirty years’ time – let’s say, in 1940 – you don’t keep Gerald in here too Birling as the
at the start of WW2 may be giving a little party like this – your son long. Eric – I want you a minute.
matriarch
when rationing would or daughter might be getting engaged – and I
be in force. tell you by that time you’ll be living in a world [She and SHEILA and ERIC go
that’ll have forgotten all these Capital versus out. BIRLING and GERALD sit
Labour agitations and all these silly little war down again.]
scares.
 BIRLING: Cigar? BIRLING: Thanks. But it’s a bit too early
for that. So don’t say anything. But I’ve
GERALD: No, thanks. Can’t really enjoy had a hint or two. You see, I was Lord Foreshadowing
them. Mayor here two years ago when Royalty
visited us. And I’ve always been regarded
Social context of BIRLING [taking one himself]: Ah, you don’t as a sound useful party man. So – well –
the class system know what you’re missing. I like a good I gather there’s a very good chance of a
cigar. [Indicating decanter] Help yourself. knighthood – so long as we behave
and the levels
ourselves, don’t get into the police court
within it. Birling is GERALD: Thank you. or start a scandal – eh? [Laughs ‘seem’ showing
aware his family is [BIRLING lights his cigar and GERALD, who complacently.] it is all about
considered lower has lit a cigarette, helps himself to port then appearances.
as he is self made pushes decanter to BIRLING.] GERALD [laughs]: You seem to be a nice
well-behaved family –
Birling says ‘we
rather than ‘old
BIRLING: Thanks. [Confidentially] By the think’ revealing
money’ like the
way, there’s something I’d like to mention – BIRLING: We think we are – who’s opinion
Crofts. His
in strict confidence – while we’re by he values and
daughter is
ourselves. I have an idea that your mother – GERALD: So if that’s the only obstacle, how he may be
marrying up just Lady Croft – while she doesn’t object to my sir, I think you might as well accept my deluded about
like he did. girl – feels you might have done better for congratulations now. how other
yourself socially – [GERALD, rather
people truly
embarrassed, begins to murmur some BIRLING: No, no, I couldn’t do that. And
dissent, but BIRLING checks him.] No, don’t say anything yet. perceive them.
Gerald, that’s all right. Don’t blame her. She
Ideas above his comes from an old county family – landed GERALD: Not even to my mother? I
station? False people and so forth – and so it’s only know she’d be delighted.
modesty? natural. But what I wanted to say is – there’s
Wants his family to a fair chance that I might find my way into BIRLING: Well, when she comes back,
appear good enough the next Honours List. Just a knighthood, of you might drop a hint to her. And you can
course. promise her that we’ll try to keep out of
for the Croft family.
trouble during the next few months.
GERALD: Oh – I say – congratulations! [They both laugh. ERIC enters.]
Birling criticises his Context link of
BIRLING [solemnly]: But this is the point. I don’t
son’s drinking but ERIC: What’s the joke? Started telling stories? capitalism and
want to lecture you two young fellows again. But
also seems to what so many of you don’t seem to understand individualism.
encourage it when BIRLING: No. Want another glass of port? now, when things are so much easier, is that a Birling looks
he wants Eric to be man has to make his own way – has to look after
ERIC [sitting down]: Yes, please. [Takes himself – and his family too, of course, when he
out for himself
quiet. decanter and helps himself.] Mother says we has one – and so long as he does that he won’t and those who
mustn’t stay too long. But I don’t think it come to much harm. But the way some of these are related to
matters. I left ’em talking about clothes again. cranks talk and write now, you’d think everybody
All of the men You’d think a girl never had any clothes before him. Does he
has to look after everybody else, as if we were all
share this sexist she gets married. Women are potty about ’em. mixed up together like bees in a hive – only value his
idea that women community and all that nonsense. But take my family as an
BIRLING: Yes, but you’ve got to remember, my word for it, you youngsters – and I’ve learnt in the
are obsessed with boy, that clothes mean something quite
extension if
good hard school of experience – that a man has
clothes and it is different to a woman. Not just something to to mind his own business and look after himself
himself?
wear – and not only something to make ’em and his own – and –
somehow a big look prettier – but – well, a sort of sign or token
part of their self of their self-respect. [We hear the sharp ring of a front door bell. Describes the
respect. Makes BIRLING stops to listen.] idea of
women sound GERALD: That’s true.
community as
shallow and [EDNA enters.]
ERIC [eagerly]: Yes, I remember – [but he ‘nonsense’.
unintelligent. checks himself.] Ironically
Context that Birling’s servant is the one to chooses bees
BIRLING: Well, what do you remember?
clothes would have interrupt him speaking about as an analogy
been important to ERIC [confused]: Nothing. capitalist and individualist as they are an
show social class. ideals. This foreshadows the impressive
Women of this BIRLING: Nothing?
working class interrupting, socially based
class also didn’t GERALD [amused]: Sounds a bit fishy to me. causing problems and productive life
work so would use rebelling against the form.
Hiding
their mental energy capitalist system that keeps
something
on these things. them in subservient
positions.
Already EDNA: Please, sir, an inspector’s called. EDNA [opening door, and announcing]: Inspector Character
confident there BIRLING: An inspector? What kind of inspector?
Goole.
description for
[The INSPECTOR enters, and EDNA goes,
won’t be any closing door after her. The INSPECTOR need not the Inspector.
problems. EDNA: A police inspector. He says his name’s be a big man but he creates at once an Bold adjectives
Arrogance? Or Inspector Goole. impression of massiveness, solidity and with an
used to purposefulness. He is a man in his fifties,
BIRLING: Don’t know him. Does he want to see dressed in a plain darkish suit of the period. He immediate
privilege? me? speaks carefully, weightily, and has a impact on
Simple sentence disconcerting habit of looking hard at the person everyone on
EDNA: Yes, sir. He says it’s important.
shows certainty he addresses before actually speaking.]
stage.
it can’t be him BIRLING: All right, Edna. Show him in here. Give us INSPECTOR: Mr Birling?
who is in some more light. Birling is trying to
trouble. [EDNA does, then goes out.] BIRLING: Yes. Sit down, Inspector. assert
I’m still on the Bench. It may be something about a
warrant.
dominance.
INSPECTOR [sitting]: Thank you, sir.
Rude gossiping Implying he has
about family GERALD [lightly]: Sure to be. Unless Eric’s been up BIRLING: Have a glass of port – or a little power over the
to something. [Nodding confidentially to BIRLING] whisky?
members. Gerald inspector. He
And that would be awkward, wouldn’t it?
isn’t even part of doesn’t know
INSPECTOR: No, thank you, Mr Birling. I’m on
the family yet but BIRLING [humorously]: Very. duty. him but wants to
feels confident make sure he
ERIC [who is uneasy, sharply]: Here, what do you BIRLING: You’re new, aren’t you?
enough to openly mean?
knows he has
deride Eric. INSPECTOR: Yes, sir. Only recently transferred.
the control.
GERALD [lightly]: Only something we were talking Asserting himself
Birling somehow about when you were out. A joke really. BIRLING: I thought you must be. I was an as untouchable –
annoyed at Eric alderman for years – and Lord Mayor two years is he anticipating
ERIC [still uneasy]: Well, I don’t think it’s very funny. ago – and I’m still on the Bench – so I know the
for being hurt by being accused of
Brumley police officers pretty well – and I thought
their criticism. BIRLING [sharply, staring at him]: What’s the matter I’d never seen you before. a crime?
Critical of with you?
showing INSPECTOR: Quite so.
ERIC [defiantly]: Nothing.
emotion?
Acting as if this
is a waste of his BIRLING: Well, what can I do for you? Some BIRLING [thoughtfully]: Eva Smith?
time. All he is trouble about a warrant?
doing is smoking INSPECTOR: Do you remember her, Mr Birling?
INSPECTOR: No, Mr Birling.
and drinking but
BIRLING [slowly]: No – I seem to remember
he sees that as BIRLING [after a pause, with a touch of hearing that name – Eva Smith – somewhere.
more important impatience]: Well, what is it then? But it doesn’t convey anything to me. And I don’t
than police see where I come into this.
INSPECTOR: I’d like some information, if you
work. don’t mind, Mr Birling. Two hours ago a young INSPECTOR: She was employed in your works
woman died in the Infirmary. She’d been taken at one time.
there this afternoon because she’d swallowed a
lot of strong disinfectant. Burnt her inside out, of BIRLING: Oh – that’s it, is it? Well, we’ve several
course. hundred young women there, y’know, and they
keep changing.
Deliberately ERIC [involuntarily]: My God!
INSPECTOR: This young woman, Eva Smith,
graphic. He is INSPECTOR: Yes, she was in great agony. They was a bit out of the ordinary. I found a
blunt and did everything they could for her at the Infirmary, photograph of her in her lodgings. Perhaps you’d
confrontational. but she died. Suicide of course. remember her from that.
He won’t shield
BIRLING [rather impatiently]: Yes, yes. Horrible
this family from business. But I don’t understand why you should Contrast between Birling and his son. Eric responds
reality in the come here, Inspector – emotionally and is appalled by the news whereas Birling
way they are continues to see this as tedious, even when confronted
INSPECTOR [cutting through, massively]: I’ve
used to. been round to the room she had, and she’d left a with tragedy.
letter there and a sort of diary. Like a lot of these
young women who get into various kinds of Interrupting savagely – dominating the
trouble, she’d used more than one name. But conversation and acting as though in
her original name – her real name – was Eva reality Birling is the one who is wasting
Smith.
time and being tedious. He won’t allow
him to go on another ranting speech.
The inspector Uncomfortable
BIRLING: I see. Sensible really. [Moves
will only let one restlessly, then turns.]
in his position as
[INSPECTOR takes a photograph, about
person at a time postcard size, out of his pocket and goes to You’ve had enough of that port, Eric. a suspect and
look at the BIRLING. Both GERALD and ERIC rise to have [The INSPECTOR is watching BIRLING and now not the person in
picture. He a look at the photograph, but the INSPECTOR BIRLING notices him.] control.
interposes himself between them and the
exerts more INSPECTOR: I think you remember Eva Smith
photograph. They are surprised and rather
control here. He annoyed. BIRLING stares hard, and with now, don’t you, Mr Birling?
makes the recognition, at the photograph, which the
INSPECTOR then replaces in his pocket.] BIRLING: Yes, I do. She was one of my Resorts to trying
decisions and as employees and then I discharged her.
all of the power. to use Gerald’s
GERALD [showing annoyance]: Any particular
reason why I shouldn’t see this girl’s ERIC: Is that why she committed suicide? When social status as
photograph, Inspector? was this, Father? a power move as
he realises his
INSPECTOR [coolly, looking hard at him]: There BIRLING: Just keep quiet, Eric, and don’t get
Are they might be. excited. This girl left us nearly two years ago. Let own is not good
pretending to be me see – it must have been in the early autumn enough.
oblivious in order ERIC: And the same applies to me, I suppose? of nineteen-ten. Exposes his
to protect their INSPECTOR: Yes. End of September, nineteen-
insecurity? He
INSPECTOR: Yes.
reputations or are ten. clearly has great
they genuinely GERALD: I can’t imagine what it could be. belief that if you
BIRLING: That’s right.
ignorant because are rich and
ERIC: Neither can I.
they think their GERALD: Look here, sir. Wouldn’t you rather I important
reputations will BIRLING: And I must say, I agree with them, was out of this? enough, the
protect them Inspector. police will leave
BIRLING: I don’t mind your being here, Gerald.
against any And I’m sure you’ve no objection, have you,
you alone. Is this
INSPECTOR: It’s the way I like to go to work.
wrongdoing? One person and one line of inquiry at a time. Inspector? Perhaps I ought to explain first that true?
Otherwise, there’s a muddle. this is Mr Gerald Croft – the son of Sir George
Croft – you know, Crofts Limited.
Different BIRLING: Oh well – put like that, there’s Again, interesting
INSPECTOR: Mr Gerald Croft, eh?
something in what you say. Still, I can’t accept
definitions imply any responsibility. If we were all responsible for
choice of word
variety of BIRLING: Yes. Incidentally we’ve been from Birling. He is
everything that happened to everybody we’d had
modestly celebrating his engagement to my
meanings. Does daughter, Sheila.
anything to do with, it would be very awkward, referring to a girl’s
he mean she wouldn’t it? death and any
deserves INSPECTOR: I see. Mr Croft is going to marry
INSPECTOR: Very awkward. responsibility in it
Miss Sheila Birling?
sympathy? Or as ‘award’ which
does she mean BIRLING: We’d all be in an impossible position, is fairly heartless
GERALD [smiling]: I hope so.
wouldn’t we?
she was a bad and dismissive.
person and is INSPECTOR [gravely]: Then I’d prefer you to
ERIC: By Jove, yes. And as you were saying, The inspector
stay.
victim blaming Dad, a man has to look after himself –
repeats his
her? GERALD [surprised]: Oh – all right. words – is he
BIRLING: Yes, well, we needn’t go into all that.
BIRLING [somewhat impatiently]: Look – there’s pointing out how
INSPECTOR: Go into what?
nothing mysterious – or scandalous – about this silly they are?
business – at least not so far as I’m concerned.
It’s a perfectly straightforward case, and as it
BIRLING: Oh – just before you came – I’d been He won’t repeat
giving these young men a little good advice. Now
happened more than eighteen months ago – it. Is he
– about this girl, Eva Smith. I remember her quite
nearly two years ago – obviously it has nothing ashamed?
well now. She was a lively good-looking girl –
whatever to do with the wretched girl’s suicide.
country-bred, I fancy – and she’d been working in
Eh, Inspector?
one of our machine shops for over a year. A good He acts as though
Beginning of the worker too. In fact, the foreman there told me he giving them a raise
INSPECTOR: No, sir. I can’t agree with you
was ready to promote her into what we call a
theme of shared there.
leading operator – head of a small group of girls. is ridiculous –
responsibility. The But after they came back from their holidays that doesn’t even
BIRLING: Why not?
idea that everyone August, they were all rather restless, and they consider it an
suddenly decided to ask for more money. They
has a part to play. INSPECTOR: Because what happened to her
were averaging about twenty-two and six, which
option. Would not
then may have determined what happened to occur to him to
was neither more nor less than is paid generally
her afterwards, and what happened to her
afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A
in our industry. They wanted the rates raised so raise wages.
that they could average about twenty-five
chain of events.
shillings a week. I refused, of course.
He is baffled that INSPECTOR: Why? BIRLING [to ERIC]: Look – just you keep out of Like he’s doing
the inspector this. You hadn’t even started in the works when them a favour.
BIRLING [surprised]: Did you say ‘Why?’? this happened. So they went on strike. That didn’t
doesn’t already last long, of course. Is he angry
understand his INSPECTOR: Yes. Why did you refuse? because she is a
point of view. GERALD: Not if it was just after the holidays.
woman speaking
BIRLING: Well, Inspector, I don’t see that it’s They’d be all broke – if I know them.
How many times any concern of yours how I choose to run my back to him? Or
has Birling business. Is it now? BIRLING: Right, Gerald. They mostly were. And because she is
spoken to so was the strike, after a week or two. Pitiful working class
INSPECTOR: It might be, you know. affair. Well, we let them all come back – at the
someone from a old rates – except the four or five ringleaders,
speaking back to
non-capitalist BIRLING: I don’t like the tone. who’d started the trouble. I went down myself him? Or both?
view point? and told them to clear out. And this girl, Eva
INSPECTOR: I’m sorry. But you asked me a Smith, was one of them. She’d had a lot to say –
question. far too much – so she had to go. Blind agreement.

BIRLING: And you asked me a question before GERALD: You couldn’t have done anything else. The inspector
Speaks as if he is that, a quite unnecessary question too.
doing something ERIC: He could. He could have kept her on implies Birling is a
noble. INSPECTOR: It’s my duty to ask questions. instead of throwing her out. I call it tough luck. thief. He suggests
Eva was a better
BIRLING: Well, it’s my duty to keep labour costs BIRLING: Rubbish! If you don’t come down
down, and if I’d agreed to this demand for a new sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be
person than him.
rate we’d have added about twelve per cent to asking for the earth. He also patronises
our labour costs. Does that satisfy you? So I him by spelling out
refused. Said I couldn’t consider it. We were GERALD: I should say so! his name. Shows
Beginning to show paying the usual rates and if they didn’t like
the difference in those rates, they could go and work somewhere INSPECTOR: They might. But after all it’s better he isn’t intimidated.
perspective else. It’s a free country, I told them. to ask for the earth than to take it.
between the older ERIC: It isn’t if you can’t go and work BIRLING [staring at the INSPECTOR]: What did
and younger somewhere else. you say your name was, Inspector?
members of the
family. INSPECTOR: Quite so. INSPECTOR: Goole. G – double O – L – E.
Birling again BIRLING: How do you get on with our Chief BIRLING: I don’t see we need to tell the
Constable, Colonel Roberts? Inspector anything more. In fact, there’s nothing I
starts referencing can tell him. I told the girl to clear out, and she
his social INSPECTOR: I don’t see much of him. went. That’s the last I heard of her. Have you any
standing and idea what happened to her after that? Get into
even begins BIRLING: Perhaps I ought to warn you that he’s trouble? Go on the streets?
an old friend of mine, and that I see him fairly
threatening the frequently. We play golf together sometimes up INSPECTOR [rather slowly]: No, she didn’t
inspector. at the West Brumley. exactly go on the streets.
Th inspector INSPECTOR [dryly]: I don’t play golf. [SHEILA has now entered.]
keeps looking
down on Birling. BIRLING: I didn’t suppose you did. SHEILA [gaily]: What’s this about streets?
[Noticing the INSPECTOR.] Oh – sorry. I didn’t
He makes golf ERIC [bursting out]: Well, I think it’s a dam’ know. Mummy sent me in to ask you why you
sound silly and shame. didn’t come along to the drawing-room.
childish. He is
above it and INSPECTOR: No, I’ve never wanted to play. BIRLING: We shall be along in a minute now.
Just finishing.
above the men ERIC: No. I mean about this girl – Eva Smith.
who play it. A Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try INSPECTOR: I’m afraid not. Clearly irritated.
traditionally upper for the highest possible prices. And I don’t see Mirrors the
class activity. why she should have been sacked just because BIRLING [abruptly]: There’s nothing else, y’know. inspector’s short
she’d a bit more spirit than the others. You said I’ve just told you that.
yourself she was a good worker. I’d have let her
blunt sentences.
Eric empathises stay. SHEILA: What’s all this about? Competing for
with the workers. control of the
BIRLING [rather angrily]: Unless you brighten BIRLING: Nothing to do with you, Sheila. Run conversation. He
He sees people your ideas, you’ll never be in a position to let along.
as being anybody stay or to tell anybody to go. It’s about is trying to
fundamentally time you learnt to face a few responsibilities. INSPECTOR: No, wait a minute, Miss Birling. dismiss the
the same with That’s something this public-school-and-Varsity inspector.
life you’ve had doesn’t seem to teach you.
the same
Contrast that he wants to be upper class but resents
desires. ERIC [sulkily]: Well, we don’t need to tell the
Inspector all about that, do we?
and blames his children for being raised in the
lifestyle he gave them.
 SHEILA: Did you, Dad? Ignorance is
BIRLING: Yes. The girl had been causing trouble bliss. Sheila has
BIRLING [angrily]: Look here, Inspector, I in the works. I was quite justified. likely been
consider this uncalled-for and officious. I’ve half
shielded from
a mind to report you. I’ve told you all I know – GERALD: Yes, I think you were. I know we’d
and it doesn’t seem to me very important – and have done the same thing. Don’t look like that,
the real world
now there isn’t the slightest reason why my Sheila. and seems to
daughter should be dragged into this want to stay that
unpleasant business. SHEILA [rather distressed]: Sorry! It’s just that I way.
can’t help thinking about this girl – destroying
SHEILA [coming farther in]: What business? herself so horribly – and I’ve been so happy
What’s happening? tonight. Oh I wish you hadn’t told me. What was
she like? Quite young? Why does she ask
INSPECTOR [impressively]: I’m a police this? Sheila seems
inspector, Miss Birling. This afternoon a young INSPECTOR: Yes. Twenty-four.
woman drank some disinfectant, and died, after quite shallow. This
several hours of agony, tonight in the Infirmary. SHEILA: Pretty? could speak to
ingrained sexism
SHEILA: Oh – how horrible! Was it an accident? INSPECTOR: She wasn’t pretty when I saw her
as she sees the
today, but she had been pretty – very pretty.
INSPECTOR: No. She wanted to end her life. worth of a woman
She felt she couldn’t go on any longer. BIRLING: That’s enough of that. in her appearance.
If she was ugly
BIRLING: Well, don’t tell me that’s because I GERALD: And I don’t really see that this inquiry
discharged her from my employment nearly two gets you anywhere, Inspector. It’s what would Sheila be as
years ago. happened to her since she left Mr Birling’s works upset?
that is important.
ERIC: That might have started it.
BIRLING: Obviously. I suggested that some time
ago.

GERALD: And we can’t help you there because

we don’t know.
Birling is
INSPECTOR [slowly]: Are you sure you don’t BIRLING [cutting in]: Just a minute, Sheila. Now,
backtracking on know? [He looks at GERALD, then at ERIC, Inspector, perhaps you and I had better go and
his threats now then at SHEILA.] talk this over quietly in a corner – This is unusual
as he is realising behaviour for
his family may BIRLING: And are you suggesting now that one SHEILA [cutting in]: Why should you? He’s
of them knows something about this girl? finished with you. He says it’s one of us now. women at the
be more time. She is
vulnerable than INSPECTOR: Yes. BIRLING: Yes, and I’m trying to settle it sensibly interrupting the
he initially for you.
patriarch of the
BIRLING: You didn’t come here just to see me
thought. He then? GERALD: Well, there’s nothing to settle as far as household.
changes his I’m concerned. I’ve never known an Eva Smith. Context link to
tone to try and INSPECTOR: No. times and
placate the [The other four exchange bewildered and ERIC: Neither have I.
perturbed glances.] opinions
inspector SHEILA: Was that her name? Eva Smith? changing in
instead of BIRLING [with marked change of tone]: Well, of society. Social
challenging his course, if I’d known that earlier, I wouldn’t have GERALD: Yes.
called you officious and talked about reporting
norms are being
authority. you. You understand that, don’t you, Inspector? SHEILA: Never heard it before. challenged and
I thought that – for some reason best known to changed.
yourself – you were making the most of this tiny GERALD: So where are you now, Inspector?
bit of information I could give you. I’m sorry. This
makes a difference. You sure of your facts? INSPECTOR: Where I was before, Mr Croft. I
The inspector told you – that like a lot of these young women,
INSPECTOR: Some of them – yes. she’d used more than one name. She was still
doesn’t Eva Smith when Mr Birling sacked her – for
knowledge BIRLING: I can’t think they can be of any great wanting twenty-five shillings a week instead of
Birling’s threats consequence. twenty-two and six. But after that she stopped
or his attempts being Eva Smith. Perhaps she’d had enough of
INSPECTOR: The girl’s dead though. it.
to placate. He is
only focused on SHEILA: What do you mean by saying that?
his purpose. You talk as if we were responsible –
Listing the piling ERIC: Can’t blame her. INSPECTOR [dryly]: I’ve had that notion myself
from time to time. In fact, I’ve thought that it
up of things SHEILA [to BIRLING]: I think it was a mean would do us all a bit of good if sometimes we
working against thing to do. Perhaps that spoilt everything for tried to put ourselves in the place of these young
Eva to highlight her. women counting their pennies in their dingy little
the desperation back bedrooms.
BIRLING Rubbish! [To INSPECTOR] Do you
she was in. know what happened to this girl after she left SHEILA: Yes, I expect it would. But what
my works? happened to her then?
She is
sympathetic but INSPECTOR: Yes. She was out of work for the INSPECTOR: She had what seemed to her a
still minimises the next two months. Both her parents were dead, wonderful stroke of luck. She was taken on in a
so that she’d no home to go back to. And she shop – and a good shop too – Milwards.
situation. This is a hadn’t been able to save much out of what
very mild way of Birling and Company had paid her. So that after SHEILA: Milwards! We go there – in fact, I was
describing a two months, with no work, no money coming in, there this afternoon – [archly to GERALD] for Sheila is walking
woman on the and living in lodgings, with no relatives to help your benefit. into the
her, few friends, lonely, half-starved, she was inspector’s trap.
edge of feeling desperate. GERALD [smiling]: Good!
homelessness. She is making
SHEILA [warmly]: I should think so. It’s a rotten SHEILA: Yes, she was lucky to get taken on at herself seem
shame. Milwards. silly and foolish.
She is like her
INSPECTOR: There are a lot of young women INSPECTOR: That’s what she thought. And it
Sheila shows a living that sort of existence in every city and big happened that at the beginning of December that other family
more socialist town in this country, Miss Birling. If there year – nineteen-ten – there was a good deal of members that it
weren’t, the factories and warehouses wouldn’t influenza about, and Milwards suddenly found doesn’t occur to
view point. She know where to look for cheap labour. Ask your themselves short-handed. So that gave her her
has sympathy father. chance. It seems she liked working there. It was
her that she
and doesn’t rate a nice change from a factory. She enjoyed being could be at fault.
the importance SHEILA: But these girls aren’t cheap labour – among pretty clothes, I’ve no doubt. And now she
they’re people. felt she was making a good fresh start. You can
of money above imagine how she felt.
human dignity.
SHEILA: Yes, of course.
Listing the piling [He moves nearer a light – perhaps standard lamp –
Running away
and she crosses to him. He produces the
up of things photograph. She looks at it closely, recognizes it with from
BIRLING: And then she got herself into
working against trouble there, I suppose? a little cry, gives a half-stifled sob, and then runs out. responsibility?
Eva to highlight The INSPECTOR puts the photograph back into his Too weak to
the desperation INSPECTOR: After about a couple of pocket and stares speculatively after her. The other
three stare in amazement for a moment.] handle the truth?
months, just when she felt she was settling
she was in.
down nicely, they told her she’d have to go. He refers to his
BIRLING: What’s the matter with her?
BIRLING: Not doing her work properly? adult engaged
ERIC: She recognized her from the photograph, daughter as a
INSPECTOR: There was nothing wrong with didn’t she? child. Infantilises
the way she was doing her work. They
admitted that. INSPECTOR: Yes. women – reflects
that she does not
BIRLING: There must have been something BIRLING [angrily]: Why the devil do you want to go get the same
wrong. upsetting the child like that?
respect as adult
INSPECTOR: All she knew was – that a INSPECTOR: I didn’t do it. She’s upsetting herself. men. She is an
customer complained about her – and so adult but he wants
she had to go. BIRLING: Well – why – why?
to protect her like
SHEILA [staring at him, agitated]: When INSPECTOR: I don’t know – yet. That’s something I a child.
was this? have to find out.
Still thinks his
frivolous lifestyle INSPECTOR [impressively]: At the end of BIRLING [still angrily]: Well – if you don’t mind – I’ll
January – last year. find out first.
events are more
important than SHEILA: What – what did this girl look like? GERALD: Shall I go to her?
this
investigation. INSPECTOR: If you’ll come over here, I’ll BIRLING [moving]: No, leave this to me. I must also
show you. have a word with my wife – tell her what’s happening.
Value of material [Turns at door, staring at INSPECTOR angrily.] We
things over were having a nice little family celebration tonight.
human life. And a nasty mess you’ve made of it now, haven’t
you?
 Repeats Birling's He says this as
INSPECTOR [steadily]: That’s more or less ERIC [uneasily]: I’m sorry – but you see – we were
language again what I was thinking earlier tonight, when I having a little party – and I’ve had a few drinks, though it is fact.
pointing out how was in the Infirmary looking at what was left including rather a lot of champagne – and I’ve got a Ironic
ridiculous he of Eva Smith. A nice little promising life headache – and as I’m only in the way here – think foreshadowing of
there, I thought, and a nasty mess I’d better turn in.
sounds. somebody’s made of it. [BIRLING looks as if
the conflicting
about to make some retort, then thinks INSPECTOR: And I think you’d better stay here. information we
Inspector interrupts better of it, and goes out, closing door get later,
sharply behind him. GERALD and ERIC ERIC: Why should I? especially about
Gerald as well –
exchange uneasy glances. The
reflects that he INSPECTOR ignores them.] INSPECTOR: It might be less trouble. If you turn in, Gerald.
does not hold you might have to turn out again soon.
value in the idea of GERALD: I’d like to have a look at that
photograph now, Inspector. GERALD: Getting a bit heavy-handed, aren’t you,
social standing. Inspector?
INSPECTOR: All in good time.
INSPECTOR: Possibly. But if you’re easy with me,
GERALD: I don’t see why – I’m easy with you. Inspector does not
buy into the idea
INSPECTOR [cutting in, massively]: You GERALD: After all, y’know, we’re respectable that the more
heard what I said before, Mr Croft. One line citizens and not criminals.
of inquiry at a time. Otherwise we’ll all be socially respected
Eric shows himself talking at once and won’t know where we INSPECTOR: Sometimes there isn’t as much the family the less
as the most are. If you’ve anything to tell me, you’ll have difference as you think. Often, if it was left to me, I criminal they are,
an opportunity of doing it soon. wouldn’t know where to draw the line.
emotional and he actually thinks
possibly unstable GERALD [rather uneasily]: Well, I don’t GERALD: Fortunately, it isn’t left to you, is it? the opposite. Do
due to his alcohol suppose I have – you agree?
use. He is also not INSPECTOR: No, it isn’t. But some things are left to
ERIC [suddenly bursting out]: Look here, me. Inquiries of this sort, for instance.
used to his family I’ve had enough of this. [Enter SHEILA, who looks as if she’s been crying.]
being challenged Well, Miss Birling?
so may not know INSPECTOR [dryly]: I dare say.
how to react.
The young SHEILA [coming in, closing door]: You knew Gerald is
woman is very it was me all the time, didn’t you?
judgmental of
quick to accept
INSPECTOR: I had an idea it might be – Sheila – are they
her responsibility. INSPECTOR: And what had this girl done to make
from something the girl herself wrote. beginning to turn
She does not try you lose your temper?
on each other?
to excuse herself. SHEILA: I’ve told my father – he didn’t
seem to think it amounted to much – but I SHEILA: When I was looking at myself in the mirror I This highlights
felt rotten about it at the time and now I feel caught sight of her smiling at the assistant, and I was how much Gerald
a lot worse. Did it make much difference to furious with her. I’d been in a bad temper anyhow.
thinks he is
her?
INSPECTOR: And was it the girl’s fault? untouchable as his
INSPECTOR: Yes, I’m afraid it did. It was behaviour is
Adjectives show SHEILA: No, not really. It was my own fault.
the last real steady job she had. When she exposed to be
high emotional lost it – for no reason that she could [Suddenly, to GERALD] All right, Gerald, you needn’t
look at me like that. At least, I’m trying to tell the some of the worst
state that shows discover – she decided she might as well try
another kind of life. truth. I expect you’ve done things you’re ashamed of but yet he still
her raw too. judges Sheila. Are
response similar SHEILA [miserably]: So I’m really women being held
to Eric’s. The responsible? GERALD [surprised]: Well, I never said I hadn’t. I
don’t see why – to a different
young people
INSPECTOR: No, not entirely. A good deal standard?
are reacting with INSPECTOR [cutting in]: Never mind about that. You
happened to her after that. But you’re partly Because they are
feeling and to blame. Just as your father is. can settle that between you afterwards. [To SHEILA]
What happened? meant to be kind
sympathy rather
ERIC: But what did Sheila do? and sweet and
than the
quiet at all times?
pragmatism of SHEILA [distressed]: I went to the manager
the older at Milwards and I told him that if they didn’t
generation. get rid of that girl, I’d never go near the
place again and I’d persuade mother to
close our account with them.

INSPECTOR: And why did you do that?

SHEILA: Because I was in a furious temper.

Competing based Women have
on appearance. very limited
SHEILA: I’d gone in to try something on. It
Sexism in society was an idea of my own – mother had been INSPECTOR: In fact, in a kind of way, you might be power and
meaning that against it, and so had the assistant – but I said to have been jealous of her. control so she
women’s value insisted. As soon as I tried it on, I knew may be more
they’d been right. It just didn’t suit me at all. SHEILA: Yes, I suppose so.
was almost inclined to use
I looked silly in the thing. Well, this girl had
entirely physical. brought the dress up from the workroom, INSPECTOR: And so you used the power you had, power where she
Sheila is buying and when the assistant – Miss Francis – as a daughter of a good customer and also of a man feels she finally
had asked her something about it, this girl, well-known in the town, to punish the girl just
into a patriarchal because she made you feel like that?
has some.
to show us what she meant, had held the
concept of dress up, as if she was wearing it. And it just Blunt short
competition that suited her. She was the right type for it, just SHEILA: Yes, but it didn’t seem to be anything very
terrible at the time. Don’t you understand? And if I sentences
she has been as I was the wrong type. She was a very
pretty girl too – with big dark eyes – and that could help her now, I would – removing any
raised in. Is it her
didn’t make it any better. Well, when I tried shielding from
fault that she the thing on and looked at myself and knew INSPECTOR [harshly]: Yes, but you can’t. It’s too
late. She’s dead.
Sheila.
thinks this way? that it was all wrong, I caught sight of this
girl smiling at Miss Francis – as if to say:
‘Doesn’t she look awful’– and I was ERIC: My God, it’s a bit thick, when you come to Again, men
She feels the absolutely furious. I was very rude to both of think of it –
quick to
need to attack them, and then I went to the manager and
criticise the
told him that this girl had been very SHEILA [stormily]: Oh shut up, Eric. I know, I know.
women who could It’s the only time I’ve ever done anything like that, women when
impertinent – and – and – [She almost
threaten her self breaks down, but just controls herself.] How and I’ll never, never do it again to anybody. I’ve they
esteem. She could could I know what would happen noticed them giving me a sort of look sometimes at
Milwards – I noticed it even this afternoon – and I themselves
be insecure afterwards? If she’d been some miserable
plain little creature, I don’t suppose I’d have suppose some of them remember. I feel now I can have behaved
because she only done it. But she was very pretty and looked never go there again. Oh – why had this to happen? in worse
has one are of as if she could take care of herself. I ways.
worth. If that one couldn’t be sorry for her.
The message from the author being that it only
area is threatened
takes one thing one time to impact someone
she is more likely
else forever. We must be aware of our impact
to react badly.
on others.
Sheila knows INSPECTOR: Where is your father, Miss Birling? Deliberately
straight away. She INSPECTOR [sternly]: That’s what I asked causing them to
does not trust myself tonight when I was looking at that dead SHEILA: He went into the drawing-room, to tell turn on each
girl. And then I said to myself: ‘Well, we’ll try to my mother what was happening here. Eric, take
Gerald and the Inspector along to the drawing-room. [As
other. Stirring the
understand why it had to happen.’ And that’s
becomes why I’m here, and why I’m not going until I know ERIC moves, the INSPECTOR looks from pot of suspicion
immediately all that happened. Eva Smith lost her job with SHEILA to GERALD, then goes out with ERIC.] between them
Birling and Company because the strike failed Well, Gerald? through eye
suspicious of him.
and they were determined not to have another
Revealing their one. At last she found another job – under what GERALD [trying to smile]: Well what, Sheila? contact.
happy relationship name I don’t know – in a big shop, and had to
may be more leave there because you were annoyed with SHEILA: How did you come to know this girl –
yourself and passed the annoyance on to her. Eva Smith?
complicated or Now she had to try something else. So first she Just completely
troubled than it changed her name to Daisy Renton – GERALD: I didn’t.
lying. Doesn’t admit
appears on the
GERALD [startled]: What? SHEILA: Daisy Renton then – it’s the same thing. fault until he has no
outside. This
choice.
connects to the INSPECTOR [steadily]: I said she changed her GERALD: Why should I have known her?
overall theme in name to Daisy Renton.
the play that high SHEILA: Oh don’t be stupid. We haven’t much
GERALD [pulling himself together]: D’you mind time. You gave yourself away as soon as he Attempting to pacify
society families if I give myself a drink, Sheila? mentioned her other name. her with romance
may not be as [SHEILA merely nods, still staring at him, and and patronising
happy or he goes across to the tantalus on the sideboard GERALD: All right. I knew her. Let’s leave it at
for a whisky.] that. language. Speaking
respectable as as if she couldn’t
they first appear. SHEILA: We can’t leave it at that. understand. Making
GERALD [approaching her]: Now listen, darling – her appear childlike
again.
He is cowardly She has lost respect for him and has abandoned social
and will not reply convention. Speaking openly and disrespectfully towards a
directly. Upper SHEILA: No, that’s no use. You not only knew man of higher class to whom she is meant to be
class idea of her but you knew her very well. Otherwise, you submissive. She already knows enough without the full
wouldn’t look so guilty about it. When did you story that she doesn’t care anymore. The standard for
things better left first get to know her? [He does not reply.] Was it
unsaid if they are after she left Milwards? When she changed her behaviour among the young is higher than among the old.
unpleasant. He is name, as he said, and began to lead a different
sort of life? Were you seeing her last spring and Repeating to show
likely used to
summer, during that time when you hardly came SHEILA [laughs rather hysterically]: Why – you her confidence in
sweeping things near me and said you were so busy? Were fool – he knows. Of course he knows. And I hate the inspector. She
under the carpet you? [He does not reply but looks at her.] Yes, to think how much he knows that we don’t know
already knows
if they are of course you were. yet. You’ll see. You’ll see. [She looks at him
almost in triumph.] what will happen
distasteful but he GERALD: I’m sorry, Sheila. But it was all over [He looks crushed. The door slowly opens and now because she
is now being and done with, last summer. I hadn’t set eyes the INSPECTOR appears, looking steadily and
knows the true
forced to confront on the girl for at least six months. I don’t come searchingly at them.]
into this suicide business. nature of her
them openly.
INSPECTOR: Well? fiancé. She is
SHEILA: I thought I didn’t, half an hour ago. willing for his
GERALD: You don’t. Neither of us does. So – downfall as she
for God’s sake – don’t say anything to the lost respect for
Inspector. him. She wants
SHEILA: About you and this girl?
him to be exposed
END OF ACT ONE
in front of her
GERALD: Yes. We can keep it from him. family who think
so much of him.
Arrogance from Gerald Does she want the
thinking he is somehow above engagement to
the inspector even though he end?
has already exposed two other
family members.