Eva Smith

Question 1

Eva Smith
all quotes

Answer 1

‘Both her parents were dead’
‘a good worker’
‘all she wanted was to talk’
‘she knew it couldn’t last’
‘couldn’t be any question of marrying him’
‘We are members of one body’

Question 2

Eva Smith
1st point & quotations

Answer 2

Self-dependent ‘Both her parents were dead’ isolated, vulnerable, hard upbringing, contrasts Sheila as they both similar age yet face different struggles due to difference in class ‘a good worker’ determined to make a living, tenacious, asked for higher wages

Question 3

Eva Smith
2nd point & quotations

Answer 3

Desperate after two jobs, new identity for new start, found in Palace Bar ‘all she wanted was to talk’ finds comfort in Gerald, lack of loved ones, desires romance and safety, ended abruptly but ‘she knew it couldn’t last’ presumes the worst, loses hope after, sorrowful

Question 4

Eva Smith
3rd point & quotations

Answer 4

Resilient, brave to ask for help at Mrs Birling’s charity, suicide was a last resort ‘couldn’t be any question of marrying him’ shows maturity as she thinks marriage should be based on mutual love, juxtaposes Sheila at start of play, very moral despite desperate situation as refuses stolen money, hagiographic figure

Question 5

Eva Smith
4th point & quotations

Answer 5

Represents the working class, Eva’s story if similar to many others, need for understanding and compassion, everyone should be treated with respect ‘We are members of one body’ possessive pronouns, collective effort, Priestley’s socialist views mirrored by Inspector, didactic message