Eva Smith

Question 1

Character summary of Eva Smith

Answer 1

Symbolises the suffering of the lower classes.
Victim of the patriarchal society at the time, & demonstrates the need for a welfare state

Question 2

Context of Eva Smith

Answer 2

Microcosm for the dehumanising oppression that both women & lower classes experienced in early 20th cent society.
Allows audience to reflect on magnitude of suffering that ceaselessly occured & was permitted, if not encouraged by UC & C’s. Fact that we never find out her true identity reflects how lower class had no face in society

Priestley uses Eva Smith to vilify capitalism to the audience

Question 3

Key quotes of Eva Smith

Answer 3

“There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths & John Smiths” (- Inspector). Common names express the universal struggle & suffering of the working class. Polysyndeton emphasises the amount of people who are marginalised/exploited at the hands of ignorant capitalists.
“Lively, good-looking girl” “young & fresh” - evokes sympathy from the audience for her passing
“Rent” in ‘Daisy Renton’ is derived from the verb ‘rent’, which was a euphemism for prostitution at the time
“Died in misery & agony - hating life” - graphic imagery, inflicts guilt