An Inspector Calls

Inspector Goole enters the room to talk to Sheila and Gerald. Sheila believes that the inspector knows about Gerald’s affair with Eva; Gerald tells Goole that Sheila has become “hysterical” and urges the inspector to excuse her. Sheila wants to remain, and Gerald accuses her of wanting to see him suffer as she did. Sheila, offended, asks Gerald if he really loves her. Overhearing the commotion, Sybil enters. Goole explains to Sybil that he is questioning Gerald and Sheila. Sheila warns her mother that her comments may be weaponized by Goole, though Sybil tells her daughter to be quiet. When the inspector agrees with Sheila, Sybil accuses him of impertinence. Sybil sees that Eric is disturbed and assumes that he is drunk. Sheila hints at Eric’s addiction but Sybil dismisses her comments. She apologizes to the inspector that private family business is being discussed. To demonstrate her son’s innocence, she asks Gerald whether Eric has an addiction. Much to her annoyance, Gerald acknowledges that Eric “does drink pretty hard” (187).

Arthur enters the room, explaining that he encouraged Eric to go to bed but Eric refused. Goole says that Eric also needs to be interrogated. Arthur is concerned about how the investigation will affect the family; Sheila believes that the inspector is “giving us rope – so that we’ll hang ourselves” (188).