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Summary of 'An Inspector Calls'

May 3, 2025

An Inspector Calls - Summary

Act 1: Introduction

  • Setting: Dining room of the Burlings' household.
  • Event: Celebration of Sheila and Gerald's engagement.
  • Mr. Burling's Speech:
    • Claims "war is fiddlesticks" and the Titanic is "unsinkable."
    • Use of dramatic irony.

Arrival of the Inspector

  • Inspector's News: A girl has died from drinking disinfectant.
  • Photograph Investigation:
    • Mr. Burling: Doesn't recognize the photo initially but realizes he sacked the girl for asking for higher wages.
    • Sheila: Recognizes she got the girl sacked from Millwoods for a trivial reason.

Gerald's Involvement

  • Realization: Gerald understands the inspector's power.
  • Investigation:
    • Shown the photo; identifies her as Daisy Brenton, previously Eva Smith.
    • Admits to an affair with her during the summer.
  • Character Shift: Initially remorseful, then reverts to capitalist views.

Mrs. Burling's Interrogation

  • Revelation:
    • Refused help to Eva/Daisy, who was pregnant, at her women's organization.
    • Blames the father for responsibility, unaware it is her son, Eric.

Eric's Interrogation

  • Confession:
    • Eric got Eva pregnant and stole money from Mr. Burling to support her.
  • Mrs. Burling: Denial about Eric's drunkenness.

Inspector's Final Speech

  • Theme of Collective Responsibility:
    • "We are members of one body."

Conclusion

  • Gerald's Investigation: Discovers the inspector was not real.
  • Burlings' Reaction:
    • Mr. Burling, Mrs. Burling, and Gerald: Relieved there's no public scandal.
    • Eric and Sheila: Remain distraught, understanding the moral implications.
  • Cyclical Structure: Ends with a call announcing an inspector's impending visit.

Discussion Point

  • Responsibility Query: Who is most responsible for the events?