Connector What historical events happened between when the play is set and when it was shown to audiences? J.B. Priestley

Who is to blame for the death of Eva Smith? What did each of them do to her? Mr Birling Mrs Birling Sheila Eric Gerald

Draw a circle Make a pie chart of blame, dividing the circle into portions relative to the amount of blame you think each person deserves.

My blame pie-chart Sheila Eric Gerald Sybil Arthur

Characters All of the characters’ involvement is described by the Inspector as a chain of events. We need to look at each person to assess their part in the death of Eva Smith.

Sheila Birling – Quote hunting! She was jealous She feels guilty She has learned from the events What others say about her

The complication... When the play begins, we see a happy family enjoying a celebration meal. Yet as the curtain falls, we see them guilty and disturbed. Sheila tells Gerald in Act 2, "You and I aren't the same people who sat down to dinner here." By the end, that is true of the whole family: they are all 'different' as a result of the events of the evening. Not only has their understanding of events in the past changed, but so have their expectations of the future.

PEAS paragraph P – Sheila Birling is partly to blame for the death of Eva Smith. E A S

Review Make a mini essay plan for the following exam question – Which character do you believe is most to blame for the death of Eva Smith?