Eva Smith Flashcards
Character summary of Eva Smith
Symbolises suffering of lower classes. Victim of patriarchal society, demonstrates need for a welfare state
Context of Eva Smith
Microcosm for the dehumanising oppression that both women & lower classes experienced in early 20th cent society.
Allows audience to reflect on magnitude of suffering that ceaselessly occured & was permitted, if not encouraged by UC & C’s. Fact that we never find out her true identity reflects how lower class had no face in society
Uses ES to vilify capitalism to the audience
Key quotes of Eva Smith
“There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths & John Smiths” - (Inspector) common names, universal struggle/suffering of working class. Polysyndeton emphasises amount of ppl who are marginalised/exploited at hands of ignorant capitalists.
“Lively, good-looking girl” “young & fresh” - sympathy
“Rent” derived from verb ‘rent’, euphamism for prostitution
“Died in misery & agony - hating life” - graphic, inflicts guilt
