Act Three

The final act begins at this same moment of tension: the revelation Eric was the father of Eva Smith’s baby. Unlike the others, he doesn’t attempt to hide his involvement and simply asks “You know, don’t you?” Mrs Birling is “distressed” over what she has been saying, with Sheila telling Eric that their mother thought the man involved “shouldn’t escape.” They squabble when Eric finds out his drinking habits have been exposed, calling Sheila a “sneak.” She defends her decision to be honest, further reminding the audience of the contrast between the members of the family, exemplified when Mr Birling suggests that Sheila should have a “sense of loyalty” to them. The Inspector “smoothly” cuts in, again steering the conversation back to his objective.