Act 2 Analysis

Act 2 of An Inspector Calls delves deeper into each character's involvement with Eva Smith, revealing their individual and collective responsibility for her fate.

Mr. Birling becomes increasingly defensive and concerned about potential scandal.

Quote: "I don't like the tone nor the way you're handling this inquiry."

This reaction shows Mr. Birling's prioritization of reputation over moral responsibility.

Mrs. Birling's prejudices and lack of empathy become more apparent as she discusses Eva Smith's case.

Quote: "Girls of that class--"

This statement reveals Mrs. Birling's classist attitudes and her inability to empathize with those she considers beneath her social status.

Sheila continues to show growth and insight, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the family's collective guilt.

Quote: "And probably between us we killed her."

Sheila's realization demonstrates her moral development and willingness to accept responsibility.

Gerald Croft's involvement with Eva Smith is revealed, complicating his relationship with Sheila and the Birling family.

Quote: "She was very pretty - soft brown hair and big dark eyes-"

This description humanizes Eva Smith and highlights the personal nature of Gerald's involvement.

Vocabulary: Dramatic irony - A literary device where the audience knows more about the situation than the characters, creating tension and highlighting the characters' ignorance or misunderstandings.

The Inspector continues to serve as a catalyst for revelation and moral examination, pushing each character to confront their actions and beliefs.

Highlight: The Inspector's questioning technique creates a domino effect, with each revelation leading to further disclosures and increasing tension within the family.

Character Analysis: Mr. Birling

Mr. Birling, a central character in An Inspector Calls, embodies the capitalist mindset of early 20th century Britain. His quotes and actions reveal a man focused on personal gain, social status, and maintaining the status quo.

Quote: "a man has to make his own way - has to look after himself and his family too"

This statement reflects Mr. Birling's individualistic philosophy, rejecting the idea of collective social responsibility.

Quote: "as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive - community and all that nonsense."

Mr. Birling's dismissal of community and interconnectedness highlights his narrow worldview and foreshadows the play's central theme of social responsibility.

His character arc throughout the play demonstrates his resistance to change and inability to learn from the Inspector's revelations.

Quote: "Still, I can't accept any responsibility."

This refusal to acknowledge his role in Eva Smith's fate underscores Mr. Birling's moral failings and lack of personal growth.

Highlight: Mr. Birling's predictions about the future, including his comments on the Titanic and the impossibility of war, serve as dramatic irony, emphasizing his shortsightedness and lack of understanding of the wider world.

Character Analysis: Sheila Birling

Sheila Birling undergoes significant character development in An Inspector Calls, transforming from a naive, privileged young woman to a more socially aware and empathetic individual.

Quote: "But these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people."

This statement early in the play hints at Sheila's capacity for empathy and her potential for growth.

Sheila's reaction to her role in Eva Smith's dismissal from Milwards demonstrates her ability to accept responsibility and feel genuine remorse.

Quote: "I'll never, never do it again to anybody."

This promise reflects Sheila's moral awakening and her commitment to change her behavior.

As the play progresses, Sheila becomes more perceptive about the Inspector's methods and the family's collective guilt.

Quote: "No, he's giving us the rope - so that we'll hang ourselves."

This insight shows Sheila's growing understanding of the situation and her ability to see beyond her family's denials.

Highlight: Sheila's character arc serves as a contrast to her parents' static views, representing the potential for younger generations to break free from outdated social attitudes.