eva smith

• What does Eva symbolize in the play?

  Oppression of women and lower classes
• How do the characters' actions contribute to Eva's fate?

  They collectively lead to her suicide
• Why was Eva fired from Mr. Birling's company?

  For striking for fairer wages
• What role did Sheila play in Eva's dismissal from Milwards?

  She was instrumental in Eva's dismissal
• Who did Eva have relationships with in the play?

  Gerald and Eric
• What was the reason for Eva's rejection by Mrs. Birling's charity committee?

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

  By drinking disinfectant
• What does Eva's character represent in terms of social issues?

  The suffering of the lower classes
• How does Eva's name relate to the Biblical Eve?

  Both symbolize life and suffering
• What is the significance of the surname "Smith" in the play?

  It symbolizes everyday people of Britain
• What does the Inspector say about Eva Smiths and John Smiths?

  There are millions of them
• Why does Eva change her name to Daisy Renton?

  To survive in a hostile society
• What does the name "Renton" imply about Eva's situation?

  It relates to prostitution
• How is Eva viewed by the male characters in the play?

  As a tool for their desires
• What does Eva's death signify in the context of the play?

  The consequences of immoral actions
• How does Priestley use graphic language in Eva's death?

  To awaken guilt in the audience
• What does the Inspector remind Sheila about Eva's death?

  She died in misery and agony
• Why is Eva's identity never revealed?

  To symbolize the oppressed working class
• How does Priestley encourage the audience to reflect on their actions?

  By keeping Eva faceless and universal
• What societal changes were occurring when the play was performed?

  The start of the welfare state
• How does Priestley use the character of Sheila in relation to Eva?

  To show class inequality and privilege
• What does the treatment of Eva by male characters reflect?

  The patriarchal society of the time
• How does Gerald view Eva when he first meets her?

  As young, fresh, and charming
• What does Gerald's possessive behavior towards Eva indicate?

  His view of her as an object
• How does Priestley portray the exploitation of Eva by Gerald?

  As a superficial rescue from abuse
• What does the adjective "fresh" imply about Eva in Gerald's eyes?

  Desire and innocence
• How does the play illustrate the consequences of class disparity?

  Through the contrasting lives of Eva and Sheila
• How is Eva kept by Gerald?

  In a possessive fashion as his mistress
• What does Gerald's saving of Eva from the Palace Bar represent?

  A superficial rescue, a substitution of abusers
• What are Gerald's desires towards Eva described as?

  Lustful desires
• How does Gerald describe Eva/Daisy?

  As young, fresh, charming, and out of place
• What does the adjective "fresh" imply about Eva?

  Connotations of desire and fertility
• How does Gerald view Eva in terms of objectification?

  He sees her as an object or possession
• What does Gerald's misogynistic objectification reveal?

  His sinful lust
• What connotations does Eva's being "out of place" suggest?

  Possibly a euphemism for her virginity
• Why does Eva appeal to Gerald?

  She seems innocent and sinless
• How does Gerald disguise his use of prostitution?

  By viewing Eva's innocence as refreshing
• What does the Inspector reveal about Eva's happiness with Gerald?

  She'd been happier than ever before
• How does Gerald show affection towards Eva?

  By listening to her and helping her
• What does Gerald's affection for Eva suggest about his character?

  He is self-serving in his help