An Inspector Calls

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An Inspector Calls

        One spring evening in 1912 Inspector Goole arrived at the Birlings’ home. He tells them that a young woman has died having swallowed a strong disinfectant. Whilst he questions each at the Birlings’ house we then find out their involvements with Eva Smith.

        The inspector first turns his attention to Mr. Birling, showing him a photograph of Eva Smith. Mr. Birling admitted that he had employed the girl and that he had also fired her because “she had a lot to say…far too much” and also she had been “causing trouble in the works”. She also wanted a pay rise from 22 and 6 shillings to 25 shillings a week.

        Mr. Birling wanted the wages to stay the same because he wants to “keep labour cost’s down” and if he gave them a rise, labour cost’s would go up 12%.

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        I don’t think that what Mr. Birling did to Eva Smith would have leaded her to commit suicide because people get laid off everyday.

        AT the beginning of December, 1910, Eva was lucky enough to be accepted for a job at a very good, high-class shop, Milwards. Sheila Birling, daughter of Mr. Birling, was in Milwards picking out a dress. Eva was told to get the dress and Sheila tried it on and knew straight away it didn’t look right. However when Eva measured it up against herself Sheila thought Eva looked great in the dress. So as Sheila was ...

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