Eric has just returned from a stroll

The entire family were gathered in the dining room in celebration of the engagement

Mrs Birling has been lecturing Sheila

The Inspector interrogates Mrs Birling

The Inspector interrogates Sheila

The Inspector interrogates Gerald

"I don't see where I come into this."

"Yes, yes. Horrible business."

"And I must say, I agree with them, Inspector."

Mr Birling would be ashamed for Gerald to know more than necessary about the case

Eric will not allow Gerald to know because he has not yet married into the Birling family

The Inspector thinks the incident has nothing to do with Gerald

Impatient

Thoughtful

Annoyed

Yes, he remembers her name very clearly

No, he cannot recall her name or her face

No, because Eva Smith never worked for Mr Birling

Resistance → resignation → thoughtful listening → impatience

Thoughtful listening → impatience → resignation → resistance

Resistance → resignation → impatience → thoughtful listening

The Inspector's comment helps to convince the family that they each knew the same woman

By the end of the play, Gerald and the Birlings realize that they might have each been speaking of a different woman, rather than the same woman who changed names to avoid trouble

In some ways it does not matter who "Eva Smith" is because each member of the family has mistreated a poor young woman, making her situation worse

Sorrowful

Cheerful

Threatening

Mr Birling

Gerald

None of the above