Eva Smith Flashcards
(3 cards)
Importance
Although the audience never meets Eva, the events of the play revolve around her. Victimised in different ways by the Birlings and Gerald, she is a symbol of class inequality in the 1900s. She also contrasts with the character of Sheila Birling: the two characters reflect how the class divide affects women from very different backgrounds.
She has a strong moral compass: she organises a strike for higher wages among Mr Birling’s workers and is sacked for her principles. She later refuses to accept stolen money from Eric, despite being pregnant and living in poverty.
She is a hard worker: before being sacked by Mr Birling, she was in line for a promotion, and she also managed to secure a good job at Milwards. This makes her fate all the more tragic: even someone as capable as Eva could not survive the cruel exploitation of capitalism.
She is an innocent victim: Eva is presented as entirely innocent throughout the play: her only deceitful act — attempting to ask for charity under a false name — was an attempt to protect Eric. Her moral purity places responsibility for her death on the shoulders of the Birlings and Gerald, and increases the sense of tragedy.
“She was young, pretty and warm-hearted”
- Idealisation & Objectification
Gerald’s description focuses first on Eva’s physical appearance — “young and pretty”.
This reflects how men in the play, especially upper-class ones, often value women for their looks rather than their character.
His attraction to Eva seems based more on how she made him feel than on her worth as a person.
- Gender & Power
Gerald’s romanticised view of Eva contrasts with how little power she had in their relationship.
Despite describing her as “warm-hearted”, he still used his social position to control the terms of their relationship.
Priestley critiques the way working-class women were often exploited by powerful men who could afford to appear kind while still holding all the control.
- Contrast with the Birlings
Unlike Mr and Mrs Birling, Gerald shows some emotional regret, making him a more complex character.
However, by reducing Eva to her appearance and temperament, he still reinforces the idea that worth is defined by class and beauty.
“Looked as if she could take care of herself
- Appearance vs Reality
The phrase “looked as if” shows Gerald judges Eva based on appearance, not on her actual situation.
This reflects a common flaw in upper-class characters: they mistake confidence or beauty for independence or security.
Priestley criticises a society where people in power make decisions based on surface-level assumptions.
- Gender & Power
The line shows how men like Gerald project assumptions onto women — especially working-class women.
Eva’s vulnerability is ignored because she doesn’t “look” vulnerable.
This reflects the dangers of gender stereotypes: that women must look weak or helpless to receive sympathy or support.
- Assumptions About Class and Strength
Because Eva appeared strong, Gerald assumed she didn’t need help — showing how working-class people’s struggles are often invisible to the upper class.
This links to Priestley’s wider message: that we can’t truly understand people’s lives if we only look at external appearances.
