The Inspector gives the Birlings the opportunity to redeem themselves but the older generation, e.g Mr Birling, Mrs Birling and Gerald, though it could be argued that he already had redeemed himself in a way, don't take up this opportunity and once the Inspector leaves they continue on with how they treat others just as before. Unlike Sheila and, in some cases, Eric, refuse to go back to their old ways and think on how they can change their attitudes and treatment of others to redeem themselves and ensure there aren't any more cases like Eva Smith