eva smith and women

• 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 both groups.
• What is the significance of the characters' actions leading to Eva's suicide?

  It shows their collective responsibility for her fate.
• 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 paradox of Eva's suicide in relation to her name?

  Her name means "to live," yet 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 the surname "Smith" contribute to Eva's character?

  It symbolizes the everyday people of Britain.
• What does the Inspector's message about "Eva Smiths and John Smiths" imply?

  There are many people like Eva suffering in society.
• What does the commandment 'thou shalt not kill' imply about Eva's suicide?

  It suggests her life was already a living hell.
• Why does Priestley use graphic language to describe Eva's death?

  To awaken the upper class audience to the suffering of the working class.
• How does the Inspector aim to make the Birling family feel guilt?

  By emphasizing the suffering they caused Eva.
• What adjectives does the Inspector use to describe Eva's death?

  "Misery and agony."
• What does Eva's death highlight about social classes?

  It emphasizes the injustice and inequality among them.
• Why does Priestley keep Eva's identity faceless?

  To symbolize the oppressed working class people.
• What does the audience gain by not knowing Eva's individual identity?

  They can reflect on their own actions towards others.
• How does the context of the Labour government relate to Eva's story?

  It reflects the potential for societal improvement and change.
• How does Priestley allow the Birling family to recount their involvement with Eva?

  By having each member describe their actions in turn.
• What does the name "Daisy Renton" signify in relation to Eva?

  It represents her need to change her life to survive.
• What does the name "Renton" imply about Eva's situation?

  It suggests she resorted to prostitution to survive.
• How does Priestley portray the double standard in society regarding Eva's situation?

  Men are not stigmatized for using her services, while she is.
• What does Eva's death indicate about the consequences of the characters' actions?

  It shows the fatal impact of careless individualism and capitalism.
• What method did Eva use to commit suicide?

  She used strong disinfectant.
• What connotations does the use of disinfectant have in relation to Eva's death?

  It suggests cleansing and purification.
• How does the imagery of drinking disinfectant relate to Eva's suffering?

  It associates her death with hell and intense suffering.
• How does Priestley symbolize the control of the upper classes over the working class through Eva's narrative?

  Her life is dictated by the actions of the upper classes.
• What parallels does Priestley draw between Sheila and Eva?

  They illustrate how a woman's life is determined by her family background.
• How does Priestley use the contrast between Sheila and Eva to comment on social inequality?

  Sheila's easy life contrasts with Eva's suffering due to class differences.
• What is the significance of the male characters' treatment of Eva?

  It reflects the patriarchal society of the time.
• How do the male characters view Eva in relation to their desires?

  They see her as a tool for fulfilling their lustful desires.
• How does Gerald's treatment of Eva illustrate his possessive nature?

  He keeps her as a mistress, reflecting his control over her.
• What does Gerald's description of Eva as "young and fresh" imply?

  It shows his objectification and desire for her.
• How does Priestley use the character of Eva to critique the class system?

  Her suffering highlights the injustices of the class system.
• What role does the Inspector play in the narrative of the play?

  He serves as a moral figure, challenging the characters' actions.