An Inspector Calls (2018)

Jason Farries・2 minutes read

Gerald is pressured by Sybil to adjust to the family dynamics, leading to a celebration where Sheila and Gerald are engaged. However, their joy turns to guilt and realization when they discover their collective role in Eva/Daisy's tragic death.

Insights

  • Gerald Croft's relationship with Eva/Daisy is revealed, showcasing his involvement with her and the impact he had on her life, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative and highlighting the interconnectedness of the characters' actions.
  • The revelation of the Inspector's deceptive tactics and the subsequent real-life tragedy that mirrors the fabricated story creates a sense of impending consequences for the characters, emphasizing the themes of accountability and the repercussions of their actions on others.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Eva Smith and what happened to her?

    Eva Smith, also known as Daisy Renton, faced financial struggles after losing her job and being dismissed from various positions. She ultimately died by suicide after being discharged from work and experiencing hardships due to unemployment and financial instability.

  • What role did the Birling family play in Eva Smith's life?

    The Birling family, particularly Sheila and Eric, influenced Eva Smith's dismissal from her jobs due to jealousy and inappropriate behavior. Mrs. Birling also denied Eva help from her charity organization, contributing to Eva's struggles and eventual tragic end.

  • How did Gerald Croft impact Eva Smith's life?

    Gerald Croft had a romantic relationship with Eva Smith, providing her with temporary shelter and financial assistance. However, Gerald did not reciprocate the same level of feelings as Eva, leading to the end of their affair before Eva's tragic death.

  • What was Eric Birling's involvement in Eva Smith's story?

    Eric Birling met Eva Smith at a bar, had a brief intimate relationship with her, and later found out she was pregnant. Eric gave Eva money from his office, obtained through dishonest means, which contributed to Eva's financial struggles and ultimately her demise.

  • How did the revelation about the Inspector impact the Birling family?

    The revelation that the Inspector was not real caused the Birling family to question the validity of their confessions and the extent of their involvement in Eva Smith's life. This realization led to a shift in their attitudes and understanding of their actions, highlighting their collective responsibility in Eva's tragic end.

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Summary

00:00

Family acceptance, engagement, and a tragic link.

  • Gerald is treated as part of the family, despite being separate from them last summer due to work.
  • Sybil pressures Gerald, warning him to get used to it.
  • A special port is served, and Sybil doesn't want Gerald to turn into a purple-faced old man.
  • Sheila teases Gerald about men being distracted from business after marriage.
  • Gerald proposes a toast, finding it difficult to give a speech on such a special occasion.
  • Gerald expresses his happiness about the engagement and wishes Sheila and Gerald all the best.
  • The conversation shifts to business, with Arthur Burling mentioning potential collaboration with Gerald's father.
  • The topic of war is briefly discussed, with Arthur dismissing it as nonsense.
  • The celebration continues with drinks, cigars, and warnings about not drinking too much.
  • Inspector Poole arrives, linking the suicide of a young girl, Eva Smith, to her employment at Arthur Burling's works and her dismissal due to a pay raise demand.

19:21

Tragic death of Eva Smith unraveled

  • A young woman, Eva Smith, died in the infirmary, believed to have committed suicide due to being discharged from work.
  • Eva Smith changed her name to Daisy Renton after losing her job and struggling to find work.
  • Eva/Daisy faced financial struggles, being out of work for two months with deceased parents and no savings.
  • She found a job at Millwards in December 1910 but was later dismissed due to a customer complaint.
  • Eva/Daisy then found work at a shop, where she was asked to leave in January the following year.
  • Sheila Birling admits to influencing the dismissal of Eva/Daisy due to jealousy over a dress.
  • Gerald Croft reveals he knew Eva/Daisy, but the details are not disclosed.
  • Mrs. Birling is made aware of her role in Eva/Daisy's struggles and feels responsible for her death.
  • Eric Birling's excessive drinking habits are brought to light, causing tension within the family.
  • The Inspector continues his inquiry, aiming to uncover the truth behind Eva/Daisy's tragic end.

38:03

Tragic love affair ends in tragedy.

  • Mr. Croft met Daisy Venson in March of last year at the Stools Bar at the Palace Music Hall in Bromley.
  • Daisy was different from the other women, young, pretty, and unhappy about being there.
  • Mr. Croft rescued Daisy from an elder man and took her to dinner at a country hotel.
  • Daisy mentioned she was about to be thrown out of her lodgings and had no money left.
  • Mr. Croft offered Daisy a place to stay in rooms left by a friend and gave her some money.
  • Their relationship developed, but Mr. Croft did not feel the same level of love as Daisy did.
  • The affair ended in the first week of September before Mr. Croft went away on business.
  • Daisy went away for two months by the sea and left a diary expressing the need to be quiet and remember.
  • Mrs. Birling refused Daisy help from her charity organization, knowing she was pregnant and in need.
  • Mrs. Birling blamed the young man who got Daisy pregnant and believed he should be held responsible for her death.

01:00:03

Eric's Actions Unveil Family's Collective Responsibility

  • Eric met Eva Smith at the Palace Bar last November after being there for an hour with friends.
  • Eva was a bit drunk due to not eating much that night, leading Eric to take her to her lodgings.
  • Eric threatened to make a scene if Eva didn't let him in, which led to them being intimate.
  • Eric met Eva again about a fortnight later, took her home, and they spoke more, leading to another intimate encounter.
  • Eva later informed Eric she was pregnant, but didn't want to marry him, and he gave her around 50 pounds from his office.
  • Eric took the money from his office by falsifying accounts and intended to pay it back.
  • Mr. Birling discovered the situation, leading to a family confrontation about Eric's actions.
  • The family realizes the Inspector wasn't real, causing a shift in their perspective on their involvement with Eva.
  • Eric questions if the same girl was involved in all their confessions, highlighting doubts about the Inspector's tactics.
  • The family grapples with the realization of their collective responsibility in Eva's death, leading to a shift in their attitudes and understanding of their actions.

01:22:13

Deception unraveled, tragedy strikes: Inspector arrives

  • Gerald Croft calls the Bromley infirmary to inquire about an employee's alleged suicide by drinking disinfectant, only to find out that no such incident has occurred, revealing the deception in the story presented to them.
  • The group, relieved by the revelation, acknowledges the clever manipulation by Gerald, but their relief is short-lived as they receive news that a girl has indeed died from drinking disinfectant, leading to the imminent arrival of an inspector for questioning.
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