Eva smith Flashcards
“A lively good-looking girl – country-bred, I fancy – and she’d been working in one of our machine shops
In Act 1 of An Inspector Calls, Mr. Birling describes Eva Smith as “a lively good-looking girl – country-bred, I fancy – and she’d been working in one of our machine shops.” This description highlights how Mr. Birling sees Eva as just another worker, without much regard for her humanity. His use of phrases like “lively good-looking” suggests she had potential, but his tone implies he doesn’t care about her as a person. The mention of her being “country-bred” reinforces the idea that Eva is working-class, something Birling seems to think is less valuable. This shows the divide between the upper class, represented by Birling, and the working class. Priestley uses this to criticize the capitalist mindset of the time, where workers like Eva are treated as expendable. Eva is important because her mistreatment highlights the unfairness of the class system, and the audience is meant to sympathize with her as a victim of this inequality
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.”
On the other hand, Sheila’s response to Eva’s treatment is very different. When she learns about Eva’s sacking, Sheila says, “But these girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.” This quote reveals Sheila’s growing awareness of the need to respect workers as human beings, not just tools for profit. By saying “cheap labour”, Sheila directly challenges her father’s view that workers like Eva are just there to make money. Sheila’s statement “they’re people” shows her empathy and suggests a shift in her thinking. This moment also reflects the generational divide in the play, where younger characters like Sheila are more open to change and social responsibility. Priestley uses Sheila’s development to encourage the audience to rethink their views on class and responsibility. Eva is significant in this quote because she represents the workers who are often dehumanized by the upper class, and Sheila’s growing awareness highlights the play’s message about social equality and the importance of empathy.
She was a very pretty girl too… a good worker too.”
: In this quote, Gerald is talking about Eva Smith when he first met her. He says that she was “a very pretty girl” and “a good worker,” which shows that she had qualities that made her stand out. The adjective “pretty” suggests that Eva had physical beauty, which made her appealing to Gerald. However, the phrase “a good worker” shows that she wasn’t just someone who relied on her looks; she had a strong work ethic and was valuable in her job. Priestley uses Gerald’s description of her to make us feel sympathy for Eva because it highlights that she was just a regular, hardworking young woman who didn’t deserve the mistreatment she received. The fact that Gerald remembers these details about her shows how she impacted him and possibly even made him realize the kind of person she was before everything went wrong.
“But she died in misery and agony – hating life.”
“But she died in misery and agony – hating life.” Here, the Inspector is telling the family how Eva Smith died, and his words emphasize how tragic her life became. The phrases “misery and agony” are really strong and emotional, showing just how badly she suffered in her final days. The use of the verb “hating” suggests that Eva felt completely hopeless by the end. Priestley uses this to make a big statement about the consequences of the characters’ actions. Each of them, including Gerald, Mr. Birling, and Sheila, played a part in pushing Eva towards a life of suffering, and the Inspector makes sure they realize that. This line is important because it’s a wake-up call for the family and the audience, showing that Eva’s death wasn’t just the end of a life—it was a direct result of social injustice.
“I felt rotten about it at the time and now I feel a lot worse
In this quote, Eric is talking about how he feels guilty for his actions towards Eva Smith. He admits that he “felt rotten” when it happened, but now, after hearing the Inspector’s questions and understanding the full impact of his behavior, he feels even worse. The phrase “a lot worse” shows that Eric has grown more aware of the consequences of his actions and the harm they caused. This is really important because it shows how the younger generation, like Eric, is starting to recognize the importance of taking responsibility, whereas older characters, like his parents, seem to shrug off their actions without fully understanding the damage they’ve done. This quote also emphasizes Eva’s importance because it shows how her suffering has affected Eric deeply. Even though he didn’t initially care about the consequences of his actions, Eva’s story and the Inspector’s interrogation make him realize the impact of his behavior. Priestley uses this to highlight how people, particularly the rich and privileged, must understand the harm they cause, no matter how small it seems at first.
“She’d swallowed a lot of disinfectant. And she died, after a lot of pain and agony.”
This quote, spoken by the Inspector, is a turning point in the play. He reveals to the Birlings that Eva Smith died in a tragic and painful way after swallowing disinfectant. The specific mention of “a lot of pain and agony” highlights the brutality of her death and makes it real for the audience. Up until this point, the characters have been more focused on their own actions and how they might be affected, but hearing about the way Eva died forces them to face the consequences of their behavior.
The way the Inspector describes Eva’s death makes it clear how vulnerable she was and how badly society failed her. It’s not just about the fact that she died; it’s the pain she went through that makes it so tragic. Eva’s death shows the darker side of the class system, where people like her, who are struggling, are often ignored or mistreated by those in power. Priestley uses Eva’s death to criticize the selfishness and lack of empathy in the upper classes, urging the audience to care about those who are less fortunate and to recognize their own responsibility in society.
overview
Eva Smith is a working-class woman who becomes a victim of the Birlings’ selfish actions and societal inequality. Her tragic story highlights the harsh realities faced by the poor, as well as the importance of social responsibility and empathy.
conclusion
Eva Smith is a working-class woman who becomes a victim of the Birlings’ selfish actions and societal inequality. Her tragic story highlights the harsh realities faced by the poor, as well as the importance of social responsibility and empathy.
