The play begins in 1912 with a dinner at the Birling residence, Arthur Birling is making a speech about Sheila being engaged with Gerald, Mr Birling is very pleased as Sheila is marrying someone of a higher class.He also believes that their marriage should help with the company, he is stressing that the competition of the business have been civil but the crofts are a larger, weather and more known business. Shelia the goes on to see says how much she likes the ring and how lucky she is. Arthur also then goes on to say things that cause dramatic irony in the play. After this the women leave the room and in the room there are left with Arthur and Gerald. Then Arthur goes on to say about his coming knighthood, Gerald then goes on to say that the knighthood should be beneficial if any crime or scandal may appear. Then Eric returns and Arthur then talks about how imporant it is for a man to look after himself and his family, Edna then enters the room and announces that there is an Inspector here to speak to them.