Eva Smith Flashcards
(27 cards)
What quote I’m a going to use from mr birling act 1
She’d had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go.”
What word can I zoom in on
“A lot to say” suggests that Eva is assertive and speaks up for her rights (asking for higher wages).
What other word can I zoom in on from the Quote: “She’d had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go.
The phrase “far too much” shows Mr Birling’s intolerance of working-class independence.
What dose “shoe had to go” suggest
is blunt and dismissive – he sees her as replaceable.
What technique is there in the quote She’d had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go.”
Priestley uses euphemism and harsh tone to show how capitalism dehumanises workers.
What quote im I going to use for the middle part
Quote: “She was a very pretty girl too – that didn’t make it any better.” From Sheila
What word I’m I going to zoom in on
• “Very pretty” shows Eva’s femininity and humanity, but also how women were judged for their appearance.
What dose That didn’t make it any better” suggests
Sheila’s shame — her actions were based on jealousy.
Shiela
is recognising her misuse of privilege.
Technically
Priestley uses guilt and reflection to show how even seemingly “nice”
What I’m I going to use for the last quote
She looked young and fresh and charming and altogether out of place down there.”
Close analysis
The words “young,” “fresh,” “charming” objectify Eva and show Gerald saw her as vulnerable and attractive.
Out of place implies
that Eva didn’t belong in poverty — but that’s where she was forced to be.
Gerald uses romanticised language
to cover up the exploitative nature of the relationship.
Technically
Priestley uses irony and contrast – Gerald thinks he’s helping, but he’s using his power over a desperate woman.
Inspector line quote
There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us…”
Close analysis of millions
The repetition of “millions” shows that Eva is not just one person — she’s a symbol of the wider working class.
Close analysis John
Eva Smiths and John Smiths” – common names that show she represents ordinary people.
Still suggest
The word “still” makes it clear that this is not just history, but a current social problem.
Technology repetition
Priestley uses anaphora (repetition) and universal names to deliver his socialist message
Why did jbp do this
To make the audience feel sympathy for the working class
To support his socialist beliefs
To expose the cruelty of class divisions
Mr Birling: economic power
Sheila: social power
Gerald: emotional/sexual power
Mrs Birling: moral judgement
Eric: physical/sexual power
Reader feel
Anger frustration
The audience sees how every character (except maybe Sheila) fails Eva, and yet some of them feel no guilt.
Sympathy and Guilt
Eva is shown to be kind, hardworking, and innocent, yet she suffers from the actions of people in power.
Never gets to speck or defend her self
Her name Eva
Is similar to eve from the bible of Adam and eve is temper by the snake
Smith her name
Is the most common sername English name jpb Eva smith could represent every woman of her class
