GCSE English Literature- An Inspector Calls: Summary

In An Inspector Calls, the Birling family is accused of collectively contributing to the tragic downfall and eventual suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith (also known as Daisy Renton). Each family member played a part in her misfortune:

1. Arthur Birling – He fired Eva Smith from his factory for participating in a strike demanding fair wages, leaving her unemployed and struggling.
2. Sheila Birling – Out of jealousy, Sheila had Eva dismissed from her job at a department store after a minor incident, further worsening Eva’s situation.
3. Gerald Croft – He had an affair with Eva (under the name Daisy Renton) while she was vulnerable, then ended the relationship, leaving her heartbroken and destitute.
4. Eric Birling – He had a drunken relationship with Eva, which led to her becoming pregnant. He also stole money from his father’s business to help her, but she refused the stolen funds.
5. Sybil Birling – As a member of a charitable organisation, Sybil refused to help Eva when she was in desperate need of support, primarily because she disapproved of Eva using the name “Mrs. Birling.”

Together, their actions contributed to Eva Smith’s despair, leading her to take her own life. The Inspector accuses the family of lacking social responsibility and shows how their selfish actions had severe consequences on the life of an innocent young woman.

An Inspector Calls opens in the Birling family home, where the family is celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling and Gerald Croft. The mood is cheerful, and the Birlings are depicted as a wealthy and privileged family. Arthur Birling, the father, gives a speech about the importance of self-reliance and dismisses ideas of social responsibility, showing his confidence in his views on business and society.

The celebration is interrupted when Inspector Goole arrives, announcing that a young woman named Eva Smith has committed suicide by drinking disinfectant. He reveals that each member of the Birling family, in some way, had a role in her downfall.

Arthur Birling is the first to be questioned. The inspector reveals that Birling had fired Eva from his factory for demanding higher wages. Though Birling defends his actions, arguing it was necessary for business, the inspector emphasises the consequences of his decision on Eva’s life.

The tension rises as the inspector begins to question Sheila. It is revealed that Sheila had Eva fired from a department store out of jealousy, causing further hardship for the young woman. Sheila is deeply affected by this revelation and expresses guilt and remorse for her actions.

By the end of Act 1, the inspector’s investigation has already begun to unravel the family’s facade, and it becomes clear that all members of the Birling family are somehow implicated in Eva Smith’s tragic fate. The act ends with the sense that more revelations are to come.

Act 2 of An Inspector Calls continues with Inspector Goole‘s investigation into the involvement of the Birling family and Gerald Croft in the tragic fate of Eva Smith.

The act opens with tension, as Sheila urges Gerald to be honest with the Inspector. Under pressure, Gerald reluctantly confesses that he had an affair with Eva, who had changed her name to Daisy Renton. Eva and Gerald met the previous summer when he helped her after she was mistreated at a bar. Gerald provided her with shelter and financial support for a few months before ending the relationship. Although he claims his intentions were good, Sheila is hurt and returns his engagement ring, saying she respects him for being honest but can’t accept the relationship anymore.

As the interrogation continues, the Inspector turns his attention to Sybil Birling (Mrs. Birling), who leads a charity organization. It is revealed that Eva, desperate and pregnant, had sought help from the charity but was refused assistance after Sybil disapproved of her using the Birling name. She judged her as undeserving of help. Sybil remains stubborn and refuses to take responsibility, even blaming the father of Eva’s unborn child for her death, unknowingly condemning her own son.

The act ends with rising tension as it becomes clear that Eric Birling is the father of Eva’s child, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation in the final act. The Inspector’s interrogation is systematically exposing the moral failures of each character, pushing the family closer to collapse.

Act 3 of An Inspector Calls begins with the intense revelation that Eric Birling is the father of Eva Smith’s unborn child. Eric admits that he met Eva at a bar, began a relationship with her, and got her pregnant. He also confesses that, in a desperate attempt to support her, he stole money from his father’s business. This revelation shocks the family, and tensions escalate as Eric confronts his parents about their lack of responsibility and care.

 Inspector Goole delivers a powerful final speech. He reminds the Birlings that Eva Smith’s death is the result of their collective actions. He emphasises the importance of social responsibility. He tells them that many people like Eva Smith exist and that they must learn to care for others or face dire consequences. The Inspector’s words leave the family shaken, especially Sheila and Eric, who feel genuine guilt and remorse. Arthur and Sybil Birling, however, remain largely focused on protecting their reputation.

After the Inspector leaves, the family begins to question whether he was a real police inspector. Gerald returns, having spoken to a police sergeant, and confirms that there is no Inspector Goole on the force. A phone call to the infirmary also reveals that no girl matching Eva’s description has been admitted. Following this, the Birlings to believe that they have been the victims of a hoax. Arthur and Sybil begin to feel relieved, treating the situation lightly, and dismissing the night’s events.

However, just as they start to relax, the phone rings. It is from the police, informing them that a young woman has just died by suicide, and an inspector is on his way to question them. The play ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience to reflect on the cyclical nature of the family’s responsibility and the possibility of a real investigation to come. This final twist reinforces the theme of accountability and the moral lesson that actions have consequences, whether immediately evident or not.

More on An Inspector Calls:

GCSE English Literature- An Inspector Calls- Eva Smith

An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley- Inspector Goole