Answer:
The Birling family and Gerald Croft are celebrating Sheila’s engagement to Gerald
• Although there are a few signs that not everything is perfect (Mr Birling is too anxious to impress Gerald, Eric
seems nervous and Sheila mentions that Gerald did not come near her the previous summer) there is a
happy, light-hearted atmosphere.
• Mr Birling makes arrogant speeches, telling the other characters his views on science, the Titanic and the
relationship between bosses and workers, saying that a man ‘has to mind his own business and look after
himself’
