Summary
Highlights
Inspector Goole reveals Eva Smith's suicide by disinfectant and her diary implicating the Burlings. Mr. Burling remembers firing Eva from his factory for instigating a strike for higher wages, but shows no remorse, prioritizing profit over fair wages. Sheila, on the other hand, becomes visibly upset when shown Eva's picture. She admits to having Eva fired from a clothing store out of jealousy, but unlike her father, feels deep guilt for her actions.
The story begins in 1912 in Brumley, England, with the wealthy Burling family celebrating their daughter Sheila's engagement to Gerald Croft. Mr. Burling, excited about the business merger and his impending Knighthood, prioritizes social image. Their son, Eric, acts strangely and drinks excessively. Mr. Burling makes a pompous speech about self-reliance, only to be interrupted by the arrival of Inspector Goole, who is investigating the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith.
The inspector mentions Eva's second name, Daisy Renton, which shocks Gerald. Sheila realizes Gerald had an affair with Eva, leading her to return her engagement ring. The inspector then turns to Sybil Burling, who, two weeks prior, had turned away Eva (who used the name Mrs. Burling) from her charity, despite Eva being pregnant and in need. Mrs. Burling, like her husband, refuses to take responsibility, blaming the child's father.
Mrs. Burling's accusations inadvertently reveal that her own son, Eric, is the father of Eva Smith's child. Eric confesses to getting Eva pregnant while drunk and stealing money from his father's business to support her, which Eva refused once she knew its origin. Inspector Goole delivers a powerful lecture, condemning their selfish actions and emphasizing social responsibility. He warns that a failure to learn this lesson will result in 'Fire and Blood and Anguish.'
After the inspector leaves, the Burling parents are more concerned with their tarnished reputation than with Eva's death. They begin to doubt Goole's authenticity as a police officer, a suspicion seemingly confirmed by Gerald, who learns no 'Inspector Goole' exists. Gerald also suggests that 'Eva Smith' and 'Daisy Renton' might be different people, implying they might have interacted with multiple girls. However, a shocking phone call reveals a woman has just died by suicide, and an inspector is on his way to question the family, leaving the Burlings with a horrifying realization.