The Inspector gives a speech to the other characters about the millions of ordinary people like Eva Smith and how their lives and hopes are interconnected with everyone else's actions. He warns that if people do not learn that they must care for each other and accept responsibility for the consequences of their actions, then humanity will face terrible suffering to be taught that lesson through "fire and blood and anguish." The characters are then instructed to closely analyze the highlighted phrase in silence and consider its meaning in the context of the rest of the speech and themes of the play, including dramatic irony.

1. Starter Activity: A Close Reading of The Inspector’s Speech (Act 3)
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 in fire and blood and anguish. Good night.
5 mins: Independently and in silence. Think about the connotations of the words in the
highlighted phrase. Think about how they relate to the rest of the speech and also the
themes in the rest of the play. Remember the concept of dramatic irony. Make notes in
the front of your exercise book.