🕵️ An Inspector Calls - In-Depth Summary to Level Up Your Essays

Dive into J.B. Priestley’s social drama with this clear, structured guide. Understand every twist, character change, and thematic punch - perfect for crafting strong essays.

1. Act 1 – A Perfect Family & Grim Revelation

• The Birling family gathers to celebrate Sheila’s engagement to Gerald Croft. Mr Birling delivers a confident, capitalist speech, claiming there will be no war and the Titanic is “unsinkable.”

• 
  

• Soon after, Inspector Goole arrives, announcing that a young woman named Eva

• Smith has died - adding that a drunk driver might have injured her earlier.

• 
  

• Key moment: Gerald casually admits giving Eva a job at his factory but let her go - showing the first link between the family and tragedy. Priestley introduces dramatic irony early, hinting at social responsibility.

2. Act 2 – Mrs Birling & Sheila Face the Truth

• The Inspector reveals that Eva approached Mrs Birling’s charity group for help after being pregnant and destitute. Mrs Birling coldly refuses assistance, blaming the girl for her own problems.

• 
  

• Sheila realises how her jealousy at a shop led to Eva’s dismissal. Overwhelmed with guilt, Sheila begins to accept moral responsibility.

• 
  

• Turning point: The softer, conscientious Sheila starkly contrasts with her mother’s elitist attitude - showing generational and ideological differences.

3. Act 3 – Eric and Gerald’s Confession; Inspector’s Warning

• Inspector reveals that Eric stole money to support Eva and had a relationship with her. Sheila exposes Gerald’s affair with Eva, concluding his involvement.

• Gerald admits guilt, but tries to justify it, whereas Eric is remorseful and truly ashamed.

• 
  

• The Inspector gives his final speech: “We are members of one body… we are

• responsible for each other.” He warns of “fire and blood and anguish” if society refuses responsibility.

• 
  

• Mood shift: Tensions peak, moral lessons deepen, and the Inspector’s speech resonates as a moral call to action.

4. Final Twist – Truth and Consequences

• Gerald and the Birlings test whether any inspector existed. It is discovered there’s no Inspector Goole and no suicide report fitting the case. The police confirm no suicide in the area.

• 
  

• Birling breathes relief - though Inspector was fake - and Gerald proposes reconciling. Sheila fiercely rejects pretending everything is fine.

• 
  

• Snap of suspense: A phone call confirms a real inspector is on his way to question them about a young woman’s death - mirroring the evening’s confessions.

• 
  

• Big finale: Whether Goole was supernatural or real, the play ends with guilt unresolved. Priestley forces us to acknowledge our actions' impact on others—no easy escape.

5. Themes and Priestley’s Message

• Social responsibility: The Inspector reveals how each character contributed to a human tragedy.

• 
  

• Class division: Upper-class Birlings see charity as charity not duty; working-class Eva has no voice.

• 
  

• Generational tension: Sheila and Eric feel guilt and shame, unlike their parents - Priestley suggests youth can reshape society’s values.

• 
  

• Truth & accountability: Final twist questions reality but leaves moral lessons intact: our responsibilities remain.

6. Key Quotes to Support Your Points

• “We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” – Inspector’s central message of collective duty.

• 
  

• Birling’s Titanic line – Shows arrogance and ignorance about social change.

• 
  

• Sheila’s “I’m responsible” – Marks awakening and acceptance.

• 
  

• Eric’s “My child” apology – Represents personal guilt and willingness to change.

🎯 How to Use This in Essays

1. Act structure for flow: Show how the tension grows from celebration to confession.

2. 
   

3. Quote strategic moments: Use quotes above for powerful impact.

4. 
   

5. Analyse characters: Compare Mr & Mrs Birling’s denial with Sheila & Eric’s remorse.

6. 
   

7. Connect context: Priestley wrote in 1945 to promote socialist ideals and post-war equality.

8. 
   

9. End with implications: Discuss how it still warns us about ignoring social responsibility.

📚 Want to Go Further?

For scene-by-scene breakdowns, deeper thematic exploration, full quote banks, and model essay plans, check out the official An Inspector Calls Revision Guides under ‘Revision Guides’ - everything you need to write confidently and get top marks.