Higher: With close reference to the extract, show how J.B. Priestley creates mood and atmosphere for an
audience here. [10] 20 mins


INSPECTOR:
But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone - but there are millions and millions
and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us, with their lives, their
hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives,
and what we think and say and do. We don't live alone. We are members of one body.
We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if
men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.
Good night.
He walks straight out, leaving them staring, subdued and wondering. SHEILA is still
quietly crying. MRS BIRLING has collapsed into a chair. Eric is brooding desperately.
BIRLING, the only active one, hears the front door slam, moves hesitatingly towards the
door, stops, looks gloomily at the other three, then pours himself out a drink, which he
hastily swallows.
BIRLING:
(angrily to ERIC) You're the one I blame for this.
ERIC:
BIRLING:
I'II bet I am.
(angrily) Yes, and you don't realize yet all you've done. Most of this is bound to come
out. There'll be a public scandal.
ERIC:
Well, I don't care now.
BIRLING:
You! You don't seem to care about anything. But I care. I was almost certain for a
knighthood in the next Honours List
Eric laughs rather hysterically, pointing at him.
ERIC:
(laughing) Oh - for God's sake! What does it matter now whether they give you a
knighthood or not?
BIRLING:
(sternly) It doesn't matter to you. Apparently nothing matters to you. But it may interest
you to know that until every penny of that money you stole is repaid, you'll work for
nothing. And there's going to be no more of this drinking round the town - and picking
up women in the Palace bar-
MRS BIRLING: (coming to life) I should think not. Eric, I'm absolutely ashamed of you.
ERIC: Well, I don't blame you. But don't forget I'm ashamed of you as well - yes both of you.
BIRLING: (angrily) Drop that. There's every excuse for what both your mother and I did - it turned
out unfortunately, that's all-
SHEILA:
(scomfully) That's all.
BIRLING:
Well, what have you to say?
SHEILA:
I don't know where to begin.
BIRLING:
Then don't begin. Nobody wants you to.​