Edna

• What does Edna's role as a maid suggest about her social class?

  It suggests that she is a working-class woman.
• How does Edna's relationship with the Birlings reflect class dynamics in the play?

  Her relationship is purely professional, indicating class superiority of the Birlings.
• How does Edna's character contrast with Eva Smith's character?

  Edna accepts class boundaries while Eva fights against them.
• What do we not know about Edna's personal life?

  We do not know her surname, family, marital status, or origin.
• What does the stage direction "Edna the parlor maid is just clearing the table" imply about her role?

  It implies that her role is functional and she is not interacting with the Birlings.
• What does Priestley suggest about the working class through Edna's compliance?

  He presents her as a compliant character who respects class boundaries.
• How does Edna's compliance provide insight into Eva Smith's potential life?

  It shows the life Eva could have lived had she accepted her fate as a working-class woman.
• What is Edna expected to do for the Burlings according to Mrs. Birling's quote?

  She is expected to serve them coffee and answer the doorbell.
• How does Priestley depict the treatment of Edna by the Birlings?

  He shows a lack of compassion, treating her as an employee rather than a human being.
• What does the normalized relationship between the Birlings and Edna signify about class relations in 1912?

  It reflects a typical master-employee relationship of that time.
• How does Edna's dialogue contribute to the play's tone during significant moments?

  Her dialogue marks shifts in tone, indicating changes in mood and tension.
• What is the significance of Edna using politeness markers in her dialogue?

  It shows her respect for class boundaries and her position.
• What does Priestley imply about the potential of the working class through Edna's character?

  He implies that the working class can effect significant change in society.
• What are the key themes explored through Edna's character in "An Inspector Calls"?

  • Class dynamics and social hierarchy
  • Compliance versus rebellion in the working class
  • The treatment of working-class individuals by the upper class
  • The potential for societal change by the working class
• How does Priestley use Edna to contrast with Eva Smith?

  • Edna represents acceptance of class boundaries
  • Eva represents rebellion against class boundaries
  • Edna's compliance highlights Eva's struggle
  • Both characters illustrate different aspects of the working class