Edna

• As the only working class memeber actually shown on stage, Priestley uses Edna to demonstrate the mistreatment and neglect shown to the working class.
• 'Please, sir, an Inspector's called'

  • Dialogue - Significant moment as Edna ushers in the socialist influence into the Birling home as the Inspector is about to challenge their beliefs
  • Honorifc - Shows nthe gap in scoial status and how Edna is seen as inferior to them as they demand respect.
• 'Show him in here. Give us more light'

  • Edna is he one who changes the intimate lighting to harder and brighter.
  • This suggests that it will be the working class who will deliver the truth to the upper and middle class as Edna is the one who bursts their bubble of delusion in the pink light.
• 'Show him in here. Give us more light'


  • Monosylabic simple sentences - Shows the lack of respect and demeaning treatment of the lower class.
  • Imperatives - Shows Birling expects his orders to be followed indisbutedly and unchallanged.
  • Subtly adds to the dramatic force of Eva Smith's narrative as it highlights the pressure for working class women to unhesitatingly obey their employers despite unfair working conditions.
• Context: In 1912 the use of maids was more common than in 1945 when the play was first performed.


  • To a 1945 audience, Edna’s very presence on stage would feel old-fashioned.
  • Priestley’s inclusion of a maid serves as a reminder to the audience of the outdated practice of employing working-class people.
  • The satirical presence of the character Edna is to criticise the ridiculous notion of having people to overwork and slave drive in the way that lower and working class are.
  • Alienates the Birlings from the audience, presenting them as people whose views and attitudes you would not replicate.
• 'Edna’ll go. I asked her to wait up’. 


  • This intrusion into Edna’s life demonstrates how the Birlings see Edna as merely an employee and tool.
  • They do not care that their actions are impinging upon her wellbeing.
• 'Edna'll answer it' has to serve food and pour port.

  • Edna has to complete menial tasks which the Birling family could easily do themseleves.
  • Shows the redundancy of having a maid in the first place.
  • Shows having maid is just to parade wealth.
• Edna's placement in the setting

  • Does not even have a seat at the table.
  • Symbolic of the lack of a voice and the neglect the working class suffers.
  • Dhumanises and demeans Edna.
  • Not invited to join the toast of celebration - Shows the divide between the working and upper class.
  • Symbolic of how the upper class hords all their wealth and success for themseleves.
• Edna's lack of dialaogue

  • Symbolic of how the working class does not have a voice.
  • Women are meant to be seen not heard - their opinions are disregarded.