An Inspector Calls The Plot of Act 1

The Birling Household Act I The Birlings are holding a small party in their house to celebrate the engagement of their daughter Sheila to Gerald Croft. There is a happy light hearted atmosphere in the room. After they are finished the food, Mrs Birling and Sheila leave to let the men be alone.

The Inspector As Mr Birling is telling Gerald and Eric that a man has to ‘look after himself, and his family, if he has one,’ the door bell rings. Edna, the maid, tells Mr Birling that a police inspector is at the door. The Inspector makes an immediate impression when he enters as he tells them that an attractive young woman had just been rushed into the infirmary after drinking some strong disinfectant that burnt her insides out.

Eva Smith Inspector Goole asks Mr Birling if he knows a young woman called Eva Smith. Mr Birling replies that he doesn't, so Inspector Goole shows Mr Birling a photograph. After looking at the photograph Mr Birling recognises her as a worker in his factory. They went on strike after Mr Birling refused them more money. The strike did not last long but Mr Birling did not let Eva come back to work. When the Inspector starts asking questions, Mr Birling starts getting mad at him and tells him that he knows the Chief Constable.

Sheila When Sheila enters the room, the Inspector tells her the story of Eva Smith and shows her a photo. Sheila recognises the girl in the photo and leaves upset. When she returns she explains to everyone that she knew this girl from Milwards. Sheila was trying on a dress that she liked but it didn’t suit her. Sheila saw one of the assistants laughing at her. Sheila told the manager that she would stop shopping there unless the girl was fired.