Edna The Maid

• Who is Edna in JB Priestley's play?

  She is the Burling family's maid
• What does Edna's role as a maid suggest about her social class?

  She is a working-class woman
• How does Edna's relationship with the Burlings reflect class dynamics?

  It is purely professional and hierarchical
• How does Edna's acceptance of class boundaries compare to Eva Smith's character?

  Edna accepts class boundaries, Eva rejects them
• What do we know about Edna's personal life?

  We know very little about her background
• What does Edna's action of clearing the table signify?

  Her role is functional and subservient
• What does Priestley imply by presenting Edna as a compliant character?

  He contrasts her with Eva's rebellious nature
• How does Edna's treatment by the Burlings reflect societal attitudes of 1912?

  It shows a lack of compassion for the working class
• What does the relationship between the Burlings and Edna foreshadow about their treatment of Eva?

  It suggests they view Eva similarly as less than human
• What do Edna's polite phrases indicate about her character?

  She respects class boundaries and hierarchy
• How does Edna's introduction of the inspector change the mood of the play?

  It shifts from jovial to intense and antagonistic
• What is the significance of Edna's role in introducing Gerald?

  It diffuses tension when he dismisses the inspector
• What does Priestley suggest about the potential of the working class through Edna's character?

  They can instigate significant societal change
• Why is it important to analyze minor characters like Edna?

  They can reveal significant themes and meanings
• What advice does the speaker give for studying?

  Take frequent short breaks while revising
• What does the speaker imply about the importance of happiness in studying?

  Happy students are more successful
• How does the speaker view the significance of minor characters in the play?

  They hold importance and meaning in the narrative