Edna (the maid) 🧺🧹

• Edna is a 'parlourmaid', working for the family like a servant, making her a lower class citizen and regarded as Working Class
• Edna only appears in Act One and introduces Gerald in Act Three
• Although she has the smallest role, Edna's actions are extremely important in the outworking of the play
• Edna is used as a vehicle to announce the Inspector's call, welcoming him and introducing him to the family
• Edna is described as subservient and respectful while working in the Birling household
• Not much is known about Edna as she is deliberately silenced due to her low social standing
• Mr. Birling seems to dignify Edna and the cook, but Mrs. Birling quickly attacks this by showing no respect for working-class people
• Edna, the Birlings' maid, serves as a reminder of the Birlings' wealth and the presence of the lower classes
• Edna introduces the Inspector and provides insight into the life of Eva Smith since they come from a similar background