In Act 3 of J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls, Inspector Goole primarily focuses his interrogation on Eric Birling, bringing to light his significant involvement in the tragic events leading to the death of a young girl named Eva Smith. While Eric is the central figure under scrutiny, the Inspector also continues to challenge and question the other members of the Birling family, including Mr. Arthur Birling, Mrs. Sybil Birling, and Sheila Birling, regarding their roles and reactions to the unfolding revelations.
The Interrogation of Eric Birling
Act 3 opens with Eric's return, and his subsequent interrogation by Inspector Goole is pivotal. The Inspector meticulously guides Eric towards confessing his interactions with Eva Smith, including:
- His relationship with Eva Smith: Eric admits to having an intimate relationship with her.
- The pregnancy: He reveals that Eva became pregnant with his child.
- The theft: Eric confesses to stealing money from his father's business to try and help Eva, highlighting his desperation and misguided attempts to take responsibility.
This part of the interrogation serves to expose Eric's irresponsibility, yet also hints at a burgeoning sense of guilt and remorse, setting him apart from his parents.
Continued Scrutiny of the Birling Family
Beyond Eric, Inspector Goole maintains his intense scrutiny of the entire Birling family throughout Act 3. His broader interrogation of the Birling family aims to make each member confront their individual and collective responsibility for Eva Smith's demise.
The Inspector's interactions include:
- Challenging Mr. and Mrs. Birling: He confronts them with Eric's confession, particularly highlighting Mrs. Birling's harsh refusal of charity to Eva Smith, which had direct, devastating consequences for her and Eric's unborn child. Mr. Birling is also forced to confront the implications of his business ethics and his son's actions.
- Engaging with Sheila Birling: Sheila, who has largely accepted her own culpability earlier, often acts as a bridge between the Inspector and her resistant parents. She supports the Inspector's perspective and urges her family to acknowledge their part in Eva's fate.
The Inspector's methodical questioning ensures that by the time he leaves, each Birling family member has had their facade of respectability stripped away, forcing them to confront the moral implications of their actions and the devastating impact they had on Eva Smith.
