An inspector calls: Eva Flashcards
(8 cards)
“there are millions and millions of Eva smiths and John smiths”
Class - The name “Smith” has working-class roots, originating from “blacksmith,” which Priestley likely uses to emphasize that Eva’s class is a core part of her identity—something she cannot escape. The use of the common name “John Smith” symbolizes the widespread suffering of the working class, often overlooked and forgotten by the wealthy.
“Died in misery and agony - hating life”
Class - After Sheila’s confession inspector reminds her that Eva died (quote) graphic adjectives “misery and agony” encourage audience to emphasise with Eva visualising the pain and suffering she endured at hands of Birlings. Priestley intensifies Sheila’s guilt as her enjoyment of life is at the expense of others
“Renton”
Exploitation - Name Renton is derived from the verb “ to rent” a euphemism for prostitution in the early 20th century. Priestley uses this change in name to mark Eva being force to change her approach to surviving in a hostile society.
she can no longer survive by working hard and therefore she must go against her own moral principles to survive
“Young and fresh and charming and altogether out of place down there”
Exploitation - Adjective “fresh” has connotations of desire and fertility demonstrating that Gerald views her with Sexual intent from start, describing her like food, example of misogynistic objectification. Priestley also includes connotations of purity as she is “out of place” possibly euphemism for her still being a virgin
“[Unhappily] Give thousands - yes thousands —”
Capitalism Vs Socialism - Eva working-class woman and suffers because of it, beginning with being fired and after asking for living wage. For the benefit of those who profit from capitalism, the strikers aren’t protected and therefore exploited. However Mr Birling stinginess is soon resolved when there is a chance of criminal prosecution.
“[With dignity] we’ve done a great deal of useful work for deserving cases”
Capitalism Vs Socialism - Use of stage direction “ with dignity “suggests Mrs Birling’s role isn’t held out of care or compassion for poor but as way to gain influence and status. Mrs Birling claims that financial aid is reserved only for “deserving cases”, decision made at discretion of upper classes, reflecting how lives of working classes controlled by wealthy.
“A girl of that sort would (not) ever refuse money”
Hypocrisy - Mrs Birling claims that “[quote]”, assuming Eva is inherently greedy due to her lower-class background. However, Eva is portrayed as a moral force—she refuses stolen money and won’t marry Eric for his wealth. This contrasts with Eric, who steals money, and the Birlings, who use Sheila’s marriage as a financial transaction for “lower costs and higher prices.”
“Very pretty” and having “big dark eyes” // “leave after a strike “ and “said something about the shop too”
Hypocrisy - Gerald attempts to lessen the group’s responsibility by suggesting Eva was multiple girls, despite providing clear evidence they were the same person. He echoes Sheila’s description, calling Eva “very pretty” with “big dark eyes,” and recalls details about her job and the strike. This highlights how the characters deny the Inspector’s accusations to protect themselves and continue living comfortably without accepting responsibility or seeking change.
