An Inspector Calls – Plot Act 2

An Inspector Calls An Inspector Calls was written by J.B. Priestley in 1945 and is set in 1912 just before the 1st World War. In the play there are 6 main characters - Mr Birling, Mrs Birling, Sheila, Eric, Gerald, the Inspector - and Edna, the house maid, who only says a few words.

Act 2 At the start of Act 2 the scene and situation are exactly the same as at the end of Act 1, with the Inspector standing at the door for a few moments looking at Sheila and Gerald.

Act 2 At the end of the Act 1 there had been tense words between Shelia and Gerald. When Mrs Birling tries to get the Inspector to leave, it comes out that Eric is a heavy drinker.

Act 2 Gerald admits he knew Daisy Renton and that's when he tells the Inspector and Sheila the story about him meeting her in the Variety Theatre, a local place for the women of the town. He got to know her when Alderman Meggarty had her in a corner and she put out a kind of call for help to Gerald. Then he gave her a place to stay and some money.

The Chain of Events In Act 2 Gerald admits that he knew Daisy Renton and had an affair with her which ended that September. Then Mrs Burling refused Eva/Daisy help and advice from the Brumley Women's Charity Organisation.

Mrs Birling seems almost proud of refusing the girl aid. She claims that she did her ‘duty’ and sees no reason at all why she should take any blame for the girl's death. Right at the end, Mrs Birling denounces the father of the child and claims he needs to be made an example of. At this point, Sheila realises that Eric is involved. When Eric comes into the room, Act 2 ends.