Summary

The action is continuous, picking at the moment Act Two ended – with Eric at the door, and Birling, Mrs. Birling, Sheila, and Goole all looking at him.

Eric begins by saying to Goole “You know, don’t you?” (48). Goole says all the family knows. Birling and Mrs. Birling try to deny Eric’s involvement, but Sheila comments on how Mrs. Birling has been blaming the young man who got Eva / Daisy pregnant for everything that happened. She also comments that she has known all along that Eric is a heavy drinker. The others get angry at her, with Birling accusing her of having no loyalty. Goole interrupts, telling them to save their family squabbles for later. Eric asks to have a drink. Birling says no, but Goole says yes. Stage directions suggest that Eric’s “whole manner of handling the decanter...