An Inspector Calls: Act 2 Insights

What motivates Sheila Birling's change in attitude during Act 2?

• Her desire to impress Gerald

• Her guilt over her role in Eva Smith's fate

• Her wish to defy her parents

• Her ambition to gain social status

Answer explanation

Sheila's change in attitude during Act 2 is primarily driven by her guilt over her role in Eva Smith's fate. This realization prompts her to reflect on her actions and their consequences, leading to a more empathetic perspective.

Which theme is highlighted by the Inspector's questioning in Act 2?

• The importance of wealth

• The power of love

• Social responsibility

• The inevitability of fate

Answer explanation

The Inspector's questioning in Act 2 emphasizes social responsibility, highlighting how individuals are accountable for the welfare of others, rather than focusing on wealth or personal gain.

How does Gerald Croft's character develop in Act 2?

• He becomes more sympathetic towards Eva Smith

• He becomes more defensive and evasive

• He becomes more supportive of Sheila

• He becomes more critical of Mr Birling

Answer explanation

In Act 2, Gerald Croft becomes more defensive and evasive when questioned about his involvement with Eva Smith. His reluctance to fully disclose details highlights his discomfort and self-preservation, contrasting with earlier confidence.

What is the significance of the dialogue between Sheila and Gerald in Act 2?

• It reveals their mutual distrust

• It shows their deep love for each other

• It highlights their shared social ambitions

• It demonstrates their indifference to the Inspector

Answer explanation

The dialogue between Sheila and Gerald in Act 2 reveals their mutual distrust, as they navigate their secrets and differing perspectives on the Inspector's inquiries, highlighting cracks in their relationship.

How does the social context of 1912 Britain influence the characters' perspectives in Act 2?

• It makes them more open to change

• It reinforces their class prejudices

• It encourages them to embrace modernity

• It leads them to question authority

Answer explanation

In Act 2, the social context of 1912 Britain reinforces class prejudices among characters, as they navigate rigid social hierarchies and maintain their established views, limiting their openness to change and questioning of authority.

Compare Mrs Birling's perspective to Sheila's in Act 2. What is a key difference?

• Mrs Birling is more empathetic than Sheila

• Sheila is more concerned with social status than Mrs Birling

• Sheila is more willing to accept responsibility than Mrs Birling

• Mrs Birling is more supportive of the Inspector than Sheila

Answer explanation

A key difference is that Sheila is more willing to accept responsibility for her actions regarding Eva Smith, while Mrs Birling remains defensive and refuses to acknowledge her role, highlighting their contrasting attitudes towards accountability.

What does the Inspector's attitude towards the Birlings in Act 2 suggest about his character?

• He is easily intimidated by their wealth

• He is indifferent to their social status

• He is eager to please them

• He is resentful of their power

Answer explanation

The Inspector's indifference to the Birlings' social status highlights his commitment to justice over class distinctions, suggesting he is focused on moral accountability rather than being swayed by their wealth or power.

Which character in Act 2 shows the most significant change in their understanding of social responsibility?

• Mr Birling

• Sheila Birling

• Gerald Croft

• Mrs Birling

Answer explanation

In Act 2, Sheila Birling undergoes a profound transformation, recognizing her role in the social responsibility towards others, particularly after realizing the impact of her actions on Eva Smith's life.

What is the primary theme explored through the interactions between the Inspector and Mrs Birling in Act 2?

• The conflict between generations

• The illusion of power

• The consequences of selfishness

• The strength of family bonds

Answer explanation

The interactions between the Inspector and Mrs. Birling highlight the consequences of selfishness, as Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva Smith stems from her self-centered views, illustrating how personal actions can harm others.

How does the Inspector's questioning technique in Act 2 affect the characters?

• It makes them more cooperative

• It causes them to become defensive

• It leads them to confess willingly

• It encourages them to unite against him

Answer explanation

The Inspector's questioning technique in Act 2 causes the characters to become defensive, as they feel threatened and pressured. This defensiveness reveals their guilt and leads to tension among them.