ly happy match as the crofts and Birlings are long time business rivals. Arthur Birling is pleased with the prospect of a knight hood (which he mentions often) and the family being wealthy appear to be relatively carefree. Generally the self-satisfied feeling exerted by the Birlings can be seen in the way they act and speak. Examples being Arthur Birlings pompous self-assured beliefs when prophesising about the future and later Shelia's childlike temper in Millings clothes shop.
             Early in the play we learn that Gerald's parents were unable to attend the dinner party which is may be insulting to the Birlings as Arthur has gone to a lot of trouble to make the evening enjoyable. While mentioning it Arthur "ums" and "errs" clearly showing his unease with the subject. Shelia is preoccupied with her worries about the previous summer where Gerald "never came near her", casting suspicion over Gerald suggesting he may of had an affair or been unfaithful. Mrs Birlings strictly reserved character contributes to the tension while Eric (the son) continues to act nervously throughout stuttering and "involuntarily" shouting out at times.
             The audience is led to believe by Mr Birling's actions that the gaiety in the room is somewhat forced. Mr Birling is especially eager for them to enjoy themselves or to at least give the impression. He is loud and constantly states how good the evening is, summing it up as "tremendous" and the "happiest of his life". He offers the family generous amounts of drink and alcohol, insisting even that his wife "must" drink in a feeble attempt for to lighten the mood. The tension created in act 1 successfully helps to build the inspector's arrival; his introduction to the play creates a bigger impact to the evening. He is introduced in act one when the men of the house are separated from the women for cigars and brandy. Mr Birling, Eric and Gerald who nervously speculate over what it is he could want firstly delay the e...