Recount

What has happened in the book so far? All three acts, which are continuous, take place in the dining-room of a fairly large suburban Birlings’ house in Brumley, and industrial city in the North Midlands. It is an evening in spring, 1912. A businessman and industrialist Arthur Birling, his superior wife Sybil and young son Eric are celebrating the engagement of daughter Sheila to Gerald Croft when they are visited by an Inspector called Goole. He tells them of the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith and though they all claim not to have known her, the inspector demonstrates that each in their own way was responsible for her death. After Goole has left the youngsters feel ashamed and the engagement is halted but Arthur Birling, doubting the inspector's authority, rings the local police station. This is the prelude to a shock which will lead to the family's ruin.

(151 words)