eva smith

Question 1

“She had only herself to blame.” — Mrs. Birling

Answer 1

Eva Smith is unfairly judged and misunderstood by those in power. Mrs. Birling’s refusal to acknowledge any external causes for Eva’s suffering shows that Eva is seen as morally weak or responsible for her own downfall, rather than as a victim of social injustice.
The phrase “only herself” isolates Eva, implying she lacks worth or dignity and reinforcing the idea that she is powerless and blamed for circumstances beyond her control.