1. Mr. Birling is pleased about Sheila and Gerald's engagement because it will raise their social status. He gives a speech where he dismissively says that political issues and warnings of danger will pass and matters will improve.
2. During the engagement dinner, Mr. Birling brags about his future knighthood to try and ensure Gerald and Sheila's marriage for social climbing reasons. Lady Croft disapproved of the match between the families due to differences in class.
3. The Inspector interrogates the Birling family about their various interactions with a girl named Eva Smith who later died by suicide. Each family member bears some responsibility for her downward spiral.