The inspector informs Birling about the death of a young woman who has committed suicide by
drinking disinfectant. It emerges that Birling had sacked the girl, Eva Smith, two years earlier
after she had been one of the ring-leaders in a strike and demanding higher wages.
Sheila Birling is also connected to the girl, having had her sacked from her new job at Milwards. She is horrified by what she did and is genuinely remorseful.
The inspector seems to know details of the family's involvement before they speak and when
he tells them that the girl changed her name to Daisy Renton, Gerald's reaction tells us that he,
too, knew the girl. When they are temporarily left alone, Sheila warns Gerald not to try to hide
anything from the inspector.
By the end of the first act, the audience is expecting the inspector to reveal further connections
with members of the Birling family.
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