Eva Smith

Eva Smith

1. Symbol in the play as Priestley demonstrates though her the injustice of the class system

   • "She looked like she could take care of her herself"
     • Shows how upper class judges appearance and lower class have no power. Giving more sympathy toward - learning concept of responsibility. Parallel between Eva ans Sheila appearance and age makes audience question luck
   • "Had alot to say - far too much to say had to go"
     • Eva shown to be kind and caring, contrasting to the B family. Voice for others, implying to audience the message of equality- one of priestley's message
   • "There are millions and millions"
     • Polysyllabic - more emphasis on the language. Repetition to show scale- continually happening., not to late to change
   • Highlights harsh nature of the older generation and the impact they have - do anything to satisfy themselves, no empathy
   • Each of them felt superior to her bc of her social class

2. Knowing her situation was desperate causes audience to feel more sympathy siding against the Birlings with their heartless, capitalist views

   • "Lonely, half starved, she was feeling desperate...almost peneless"
     • Even tho in this position, refused money and to marry despite the benefits. Highlights the contrasts with the B, audience has sympathy disliking the B
   • "Several hours of agony"
     • Inspector used vivid imagery, shocking the audience and the characters making them think carefully of the dangers when living selfishly
   • Willing to stand up for working class even knowing the difficulties making her be better then Birlings - audience follow these qualities she has
   • "Don't need to know anymore. This girl died a horrible death"
     • Imagery- Not seen in the play but still feel sympathy showing the power of the play and priestley's message behind it about equality and responsibility

3. Stays a mystery for audience to make own interpretation and so focus is not all on the girl focuses on the Birlings and Inspector

   • "Everything we said really happened"
     • Person does't need to be thee to feel guilt. More tension and guilt when confessing without the girl - and accepting responsability
   • Focuses on the characters and how they acted towards her rather then she herself . Helps the audience to imagine many people that do suffer from this and engages the audience whereas if she was here limits it