Eva Smith

• What does Eva symbolize in the play?

  She symbolizes oppression experienced by women and the lower classes in early 20th Century society.
• How do the actions of the characters contribute to Eva's fate?

  All characters' actions collectively result in Eva's suicide.
• Why was Eva fired from her job with Mr. Birling?

  She was fired for striking in favor of fairer wages.
• What role did Sheila play in Eva's dismissal from Milwards?

  Sheila was instrumental in Eva's dismissal from Milwards.
• Who did Eva have relationships with in the play?

  She had relationships with Gerald and Eric.
• What was the reason for Eva seeking help from Mrs. Birling's charity committee?

  She sought help due to her pregnancy outside of wedlock, but was rejected.
• How did Eva commit suicide?

  She committed suicide by drinking disinfectant.
• What does Eva's character represent in terms of social issues?

  She represents the suffering of the lower classes and the need for a welfare state.
• What is the significance of Eva's name in relation to the Biblical story of Eve?

  Eva's name references Eve, symbolizing life and the paradox of her suicide as a source of living giving up on existence.

  
• How does Eva's character reflect the theme of gender in the play?

  She is a victim of a patriarchal society and demonstrates the exploitation of women.
• What does the surname "Smith" symbolize in the context of the play?

  It symbolizes the everyday people of Britain and the universal story of the common people.
• What does the Inspector mean by saying “there are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths”?


  It emphasizes that Eva's story is representative of countless individuals in similar situations.

  
• Why does Priestley use the name "Daisy Renton" for Eva?

  It demonstrates how Eva felt the need to change her life direction to survive in a hostile society.
• What does the name "Renton" imply about Eva's situation?

  "Renton" is derived from "rent," a euphemism for prostitution, indicating her desperate circumstances.
• How does the play portray the double standard regarding prostitution?

  Eva is stigmatized for prostitution, while the men who use her services are not treated the same way.
• What does Eva's death signify in relation to the other characters' actions?

  Her death indicates the consequences of the other characters' immoral actions and the impact of individualism and capitalism.
• What method did Eva use to commit suicide?

  She used a strong disinfectant.
• What does the graphic description of Eva's death aim to achieve?

  It aims to awaken the privileged audience to the suffering of the working classes and inflict guilt upon the Birling family.
• How does Priestley use Eva's death to highlight social injustice?

  Eva's death emphasizes the inequality among social classes and the consequences of neglecting the working class.
• Why does Priestley keep Eva's identity ambiguous?

  To allow her to serve as a symbolic representation of the oppressed working class rather than an individual.
• What does the audience's lack of knowledge about Eva's identity encourage them to do?

  It encourages the audience to reflect on their own actions and the impact they have on others.
• How does Priestley use the narrative structure to reflect Eva's life?

  He allows each member of the Birling family to describe their involvement with her, reflecting how her life was controlled by others.

  
• What parallels does Priestley draw between Sheila and Eva?

  He shows that their lives differ primarily due to their social class, highlighting societal inequality.
• How does the treatment of Eva by male characters reflect societal attitudes?

  It reflects a patriarchal society where Eva is valued only for her ability to fulfill men's desires.
• What does Mr. Birling do to Eva in terms of her employment?

  He exploits her labor by paying her very low wages.
• How does Gerald's relationship with Eva illustrate exploitation?

  Gerald keeps Eva as a mistress, reflecting possessive and exploitative behavior.
• What does Gerald's description of Eva as "young and fresh" imply?

  It implies that he views her as an object of desire rather than as an individual.
• How does Priestley portray the consequences of the class system through Eva's character?

  He illustrates how class determines the opportunities and suffering individuals face in society.

  
• What does the phrase "wedged her into a corner" signify in relation to Eva's situation?

  It signifies how Eva is trapped by the upper class, reflecting her lack of agency and control over her life.

  
• How does the play depict the relationship between Eva and the male characters?

  It depicts a relationship of exploitation, where Eva is used for their pleasure and success.
• What does Priestley aim to achieve by highlighting the graphic nature of Eva's death?

  He aims to evoke empathy and guilt in the audience regarding the suffering of the working class.
• How does the play's context influence the portrayal of Eva's character?

  The context of the Labour government and the welfare state highlights the need for social reform and empathy towards the working class.
• What message might Priestley be conveying about societal progress through Eva's story?

  He may be sharing a hopeful message about improvements in society since 1912, encouraging the audience to avoid reverting to old ways.

  
• How does the play illustrate the control of the upper classes over the working class?

  It shows that the narrative of working-class lives is dictated by the upper classes, as seen through Eva's story.

  
• What does the Inspector's role reveal about societal responsibility?

  The Inspector emphasizes the need for collective responsibility and the impact of individual actions on others.
• How does the play's ending encourage reflection on personal actions?

  It encourages the audience to consider their own impact on others and the importance of social responsibility.
• How does the character of Eva serve as a critique of capitalism?

  Eva's suffering and ultimate death illustrate the fatal consequences of capitalist attitudes and individualism.
• What does the play suggest about the relationship between social class and personal identity?

  It suggests that social class significantly influences personal identity and life experiences.
• How does Priestley use Eva's character to challenge societal norms?

  He uses her character to expose the injustices faced by the working class and the need for social change.
• How does Gerald's saving of Eva from the Palace Bar function in the narrative?

  It is a superficial rescue and a mere substitution of abusers.