45 minutes; 1 question; 40 marks; 20% of GCSE

Setting And Stage Directions

• The play begins with the setting described as the dining room of the Birlings’ house in Brumley, an industrial city in the north Midlands.
• The house is depicted as having “good solid furniture,” but the overall effect is not cosy or homelike, suggesting a focus on status and display rather than comfort.
• Arthur Birling, Sybil Birling, Sheila Birling, Eric Birling, and Gerald Croft are seated at the table, which is laid out for dessert.
• The lighting is initially described as “pink and intimate,” indicating a warm and celebratory atmosphere.
• The family has just finished a good dinner and is celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft.
• Arthur Birling is jovial and self-satisfied, while Sybil Birling is described as a cold woman who is socially superior to her husband.
• Sheila Birling is in her early twenties, described as “very pleased with life and rather excited.”
• Eric Birling is uneasy and drinks more than is socially appropriate, hinting at underlying tension.
• Edna, the maid, is present in the background, serving and responding to requests from the family.
• At the moment, the family is content, pleased with themselves, and celebrating a special occasion.

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Part 1

• Mr Birling opens the act by speaking in a confident and jovial tone, addressing Edna, the maid, with "Giving us the port, Edna?" as the family celebrates the engagement of Sheila Birling and Gerald Croft.
• Arthur Birling, the head of the household, dominates the conversation with his self-assured and pompous remarks, expressing optimism about the future and dismissing concerns about global tensions or industrial unrest.
• Sheila and Gerald discuss their engagement, with Sheila playfully teasing Gerald about his absence during the previous summer, hinting at potential tension between them.
• Eric Birling displays awkward and nervous behaviour, drinking more than is socially appropriate, which suggests an undercurrent of unease within the family dynamic.
• Arthur Birling delivers a self-important speech, focusing on his business ideals and dismissing the possibility of war, famously stating that the Titanic is "unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable."
• The celebratory mood is interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole, who is announced by Edna, the maid, saying: "Inspector Goole."

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Part 2

• Inspector Goole enters the room as Edna leaves, closing the door behind her, creating a sudden shift in the atmosphere.
• The Inspector reveals that he is investigating the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith, who died after swallowing disinfectant.
• Mr Birling is questioned first, and the Inspector explains that Mr Birling had dismissed Eva Smith from his factory for leading a strike demanding higher wages.
• Mr Birling defends his actions, arguing that he acted responsibly as a businessman and dismissing the idea of any personal responsibility for Eva's death.
• The Inspector states that Eva Smith subsequently found work at Milwards, a department store, where she was dismissed after a complaint.
• The Inspector turns to Sheila Birling, revealing that she was the customer who had complained about Eva Smith at Milwards, leading to Eva's dismissal.
• Sheila admits her actions, explaining that she had been in a bad mood and jealous of how Eva looked in a dress she had tried on, which prompted her to use her social standing to have Eva sacked.
• Overcome with guilt, Sheila expresses remorse, acknowledging that her actions were spiteful and contributed to Eva's suffering.
• The Inspector outlines how Eva Smith, now unemployed, was left in increasingly desperate circumstances.
• Gerald Croft reacts with discomfort when the Inspector mentions that Eva Smith later changed her name to Daisy Renton, which prompts Sheila to notice his reaction and grow suspicious.
• Sheila confronts Gerald, accusing him of knowing Eva/Daisy, but Gerald initially avoids answering directly, hinting at further revelations yet to come.
• The Inspector explains that Eva/Daisy did not immediately "go on the streets" after losing her job at Milwards, suggesting her circumstances became gradually more dire.

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Part 3

• Sheila enters the scene, and Mr Birling remarks on how her engagement to Gerald is good for business.
• Sheila notices Gerald's reaction when the Inspector mentions Daisy Renton and questions him about it.
• Gerald initially denies knowing Daisy Renton, but his discomfort becomes evident under Sheila's scrutiny.
• Sheila confronts Gerald, accusing him of having a connection to Daisy Renton, and he reluctantly confesses to having known her.
• The Inspector continues to reveal details about Daisy Renton's life, pressing the family to reflect on their individual roles in her suffering.
• Sheila grows increasingly upset as she realises the impact of her own actions and begins to take responsibility for her behaviour.
• Gerald admits to having had an affair with Daisy Renton, causing further tension between him and Sheila.
• The Inspector points out the systemic issues and personal failings that contributed to Daisy Renton's plight, highlighting the lack of social responsibility within the family.
• As the act concludes, Mr Birling remains defensive and dismissive of his involvement, while Sheila shows genuine remorse.
• Gerald is visibly shaken, and Eric continues to act uneasily, hinting at his own secret involvement.
• The act ends with Gerald leaving the room temporarily, and Mr Birling looking "crushed" as the weight of the Inspector's revelations begins to sink in.

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