Eva Smith

• What does Eva symbolize in the play?


  She symbolizes oppression.
• How does Eva represent the experiences of women and lower classes in early 20th Century society?


  She embodies the oppression faced by these groups.
• What role do the other characters play in Eva's fate?


  Their actions collectively lead to her suicide.
• Who fired Eva from her job at Mr. Birling's company?


  Mr. Birling.
• Why was Eva dismissed from Milwards shop?


  Sheila was instrumental in her dismissal.
• Who did Eva have a relationship with that resulted in her pregnancy?


  Eric.
• What was the reason given by Mrs. Birling's charity committee for rejecting Eva's plea for help?


  Her pregnancy outside of wedlock.
• How did Eva commit suicide?


  By drinking disinfectant.
• What does Eva symbolize regarding the lower classes?


  She symbolizes their suffering.
• How does Eva demonstrate the need for a welfare state?


  Her struggles highlight the lack of support for the vulnerable.
• What biblical reference is associated with Eva's name?

  It references Eve from the Garden of Eden.
• What is the significance of Eva's name meaning "to live" in relation to her suicide?


  It is paradoxical as she gives up on existence.
• How does Eva's character serve as a representation of humanity?


  She symbolizes all humanity, especially women and the impoverished.
• How does Eva's character contrast with Eve from the Bible?


  Eve tempted men, while Eva is corrupted by them.
• Why is the surname "Smith" significant in the context of Eva's character?


  It symbolizes the everyday people of Britain.
• What does the Inspector mean by stating there are "millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths"?


  It emphasizes the universal story of the common people.
• What does the use of the name "Renton" imply about Eva's life choices?


  It reflects her need to survive in a hostile society.
• How does Eva's resorting to prostitution reflect her moral principles?


  It goes against her own moral principles due to desperation.
• What does the term "Rent" signify in relation to Eva's character?


  It is a euphemism for prostitution.
• How is Eva stigmatized for her choices in society?


  She is judged for resorting to prostitution.
• What does the graphic description of Eva's death aim to achieve?


  It aims to awaken the upper class to the suffering of the working class.
• How does Eva's death serve as a consequence of the characters' actions?


  It illustrates the fatal impact of their individualism and capitalism.
• What does the use of "strong disinfectant" in Eva's suicide signify?


  It indicates a deliberate attempt to commit suicide.
• What connotations are associated with disinfectant in the context of Eva's death?


  It suggests cleansing and purification.
• How does the graphic language used to describe Eva's death affect the audience?


  It inflicts guilt upon the Birling family and encourages empathy.
• What does the Inspector remind Sheila about Eva's death?


  He states that Eva "died in misery and agony – hating life".
• How does Eva's death highlight social injustice and inequality?


  It emphasizes the disparity between social classes.
• Why does Priestley keep Eva's identity ambiguous?


  To use her as a symbolic representation of the oppressed working class.
• How does the audience's perception of Eva change due to her facelessness?


  They are encouraged to reflect on their own actions towards others.
• What context is relevant to Eva's suffering during the time the play was performed?


  The Labour government was on the brink of revolutionizing British society.
• How does Priestley use the narrative of Eva's life to reflect societal control?


  Her life is dictated by the upper classes, symbolizing their control over the working class.
• What parallels does Priestley draw between Sheila and Eva?


  He shows how their lives differ due to their social class.
• How does the treatment of Eva by male characters reflect societal attitudes?


  It shows her value is based on fulfilling their desires.
• What does Gerald's possessive treatment of Eva signify?


  It reflects the superficial nature of his rescue and his desire for control.
• How does Gerald describe Eva when he first sees her?


  He describes her as "young and fresh and charming".
• What does the adjective "fresh" imply about Gerald's view of Eva?


  It suggests desire and fertility.
• How does the description of Eva as "out of place" relate to her character?


  It implies her innocence and purity, making her appealing to Gerald.
• What does Eva's recent turn to prostitution signify about her circumstances?


  It reflects her desperation and lack of options.
• How does Priestley use Eva's character to critique the class system?


  He shows how class determines the quality of life and opportunities.
• What does the Inspector's role reveal about the consequences of individual actions?


  It highlights the interconnectedness of their actions and the impact on others.