Eva Smith

• Why is Eva Smith considered a fascinating character?

  We never meet her; we hear about her
• What does the inspector say about Eva Smith's representation?

  She represents every working woman
• How many Eva Smiths were registered in the 1911 census?

  3,800 Eva Smiths
• What is the significance of the name "Eva" in relation to Eve from Genesis?

  It suggests she represents all humanity
• Why does the author believe the name "Eva Smith" is symbolically chosen?

  It connects her to the idea of every woman
• How many Eva Smiths were found in London according to the census?

  504 Eva Smiths
• What does the rarity of the name "Eva Smith" suggest to the audience?

  They likely don't know anyone named Eva
• What does the census reveal about working women in cities like London?

  Many moved for work and became vulnerable
• What is the life expectancy of women over 40 in the census data?

  Very few worked, mostly dressmakers
• How does Eva's age at death reflect societal views in 1911?

  24 was not considered very young then
• How many people were registered with the name "Daisy Smith" in the country?

  1,600 Daisy Smiths
• What does the name "Daisy" symbolize in the context of the play?

  Innocence and vulnerability
• What does the act of Gerald and Eric picking up Eva symbolize?

  Capitalism's exploitation of vulnerable women
• What does the name "Daisy Renton" imply about Eva's situation?

  She is vulnerable and commodified
• How does the name change from Eva to Daisy reflect Eva's circumstances?

  It indicates her loss of identity and vulnerability
• What does the inspector's statement about Eva's uniqueness suggest?

  She is both common and special
• How many Daisy Rentons were found in the country?

  Five Daisy Rentons
• What does the inspector imply about the treatment of working-class women?

  They are often exploited and vulnerable
• How does Priestley use Eva to critique capitalism?

  He shows her lack of power and vulnerability
• What does Eric's statement about wages suggest about the capitalist system?

  Workers have less power than employers
• What does Priestley suggest about unions in relation to Eva's situation?

  Unions would give workers more power
• How does Priestley portray femininity through Eva's character?

  He highlights women's vulnerability in society
• What role does Sheila's jealousy play in Eva's fate?

  It leads to Eva's dismissal from work
• What does the historical context of Eva's parents' deaths suggest?

  High mortality rates affected many women
• How does Priestley use Eva's loneliness to enhance her character?

  It emphasizes her vulnerability and isolation
• What does the change of name from Eva to Daisy signify in the play?

  Her transformation and loss of identity
• How does the second phone call relate to the characters' lessons learned?

  It implies they haven't learned their lesson
• What does the inspector's method of revealing Eva's death symbolize?

  It exposes the truth about the characters
• What does Eva's choice to swallow disinfectant symbolize?

  Her desire to cleanse herself of shame
• How does Priestley give a voice to working-class people through Eva?

  She leaves a letter and diary to be heard
• What does the inspector's statement about young women imply about societal responsibility?

  Rich people make decisions affecting the poor
• How does Priestley portray the struggles of working-class women in the play?

  He highlights their vulnerability and exploitation
• What does the contrast between the dining room and Eva's situation symbolize?

  Wealth disparity between classes
• How does Eric's perspective on wages reflect the capitalist system's flaws?

  It shows workers are trapped in poverty
• How does Priestley use Eva's character to critique societal views on education and work?

  He argues education doesn't guarantee success
• What does Priestley suggest about the need for social change through Eva's story?

  Society must address inequality and exploitation
• How does the play's ending reflect on the characters' moral responsibilities?

  It suggests they must confront their actions
• What does Gerald's idea about changing names symbolize?

  It symbolizes the characters' different identities
• Why does Priestley use the name Eva Smith?

  To symbolize the exploitation of working-class women
• How does the second phone call relate to the characters' lessons?

  It indicates a lesson not learned by them