Exploitation

• Poor working conditions for women

  In 1912, women like Eva worked long hours for little pay.

  Priestley exposes how women were exploited in capitalist industries, using Eva to represent the voiceless working class.
• No legal protection for workers

  In 1912, trade unions were weak and workers could be fired easily. Mr Birling’s sacking of Eva shows the lack of rights for workers, reinforcing Priestley’s message for reform.
• Class exploitation was normalised

  In 1912 Britain, the upper class prejudiced the working class and perceived them to be inferior to them due to their lack of money and struggle to survive. The play shows how every single character except the Inspector actively dehumanises Eva due to their assumptions or to their bad desires. This pays as a symbol for structural exploitation.