Eva Smith Flashcards
How is Eva Smith described?
This is evident as Eva is referred to as “pretty”, “very pretty” “a lively, good-looking girl” by Gerald and Eric.
Why is Eva Smith the most important character?
Priestley uses Eva Smith as a symbol to represent the working class women (and men) who are exploited by capitalists like the Birling family.
What did Eva Smith do?
Mr Birling had Eva sacked as she was the ringleader of a group of workers who had asked for higher pay.
How is Eva Smith presented in Inspector Calls?
Priestley presents her as having a ‘nice little promising life’ but ‘a nasty mess somebody’s made of it.
How old was Eva Smith?
24
What is Eva Smith a symbol of?
She is the symbol of the working class within a capitalist society
What does the name Daisy Renton mean?
Daisy: symbolises innocence and purity. Renton: similar to ‘renting’
How is Eva exploited in an inspector calls?
Each of the Birlings used some form of exploitation in their mistreatment of Eva: ● Mr Birling exploited her for cheap labour. Sheila exploited her status as the daughter of a well-known man to get Eva fired without a sufficient cause. Gerald and Eric exploited her for sex.
Why does Eva Smith change her name
Society accepts Eva so long as she plays by the patriarchal rules; if she does not, she is banished, as Eve was from the Garden of Eden. Eva actively chose to alter her name to ‘Daisy’ to give herself a fresh start. We associate the flower with spring, fertility and therefore rebirth.
