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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Sheila respond when Sybil calls Inspector Goole “impertinent” (31)?

2. Why does Sheila not leave when Arthur dismisses her?

3. Who does Sheila call the “wonderful Fairy Prince” (37)?

4. What does Inspector Goole say they should leave out of the conversation?

5. What does Sheila think of Arthur’s decision to fire Eva Smith?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Gerald and Sheila argue about?

2. What is unusual about Inspector Goole’s behavior with the photograph of Eva Smith?

3. What is significant about Arthur telling Eric he has “had enough of that port” (15)?

4. What is significant about Arthur’s mention of Russia in his monologue?

5. What is the chain of events behind Arthur’s firing of Eva Smith?

6. How does Sheila feel about what she did to Eva Smith?

7. What are Arthur’s views on social welfare?

8. Why did Gerald begin speaking to Daisy Renton at the Palace Music Hall?

9. How do the members of the Birling family react to Eric’s drinking?

10. What happened to Eva Smith after Arthur fired her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though one of the most reserved characters, the character of Sybil has a personality that is full of paradoxes. Write an essay about the author’s use of irony in depicting the character of Sybil.

Essay Topic 2

By the end of the play, there is a marked dichotomy between how the two generations of the Birling household respond to the night’s events. Write a compare/contrast essay exploring the differences between how Arthur/Sybil and Eric/Sheila respond to the revelations about what each of them has done to Eva Smith/Daisy Renton/Mrs. Birling.

Essay Topic 3

Unlike those of the other characters, the revelation about Eric’s wrongdoing is twofold. He is also the last character to be interrogated by Inspector Goole, placing him at the center of the drama. Write an essay about the author’s choice to reveal Eric’s wrongdoings last and the impact that choice has on the play.

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