Eva Smith Flashcards
“a girl of that sort
would (not) ever refuse money”
Mrs Birling claims that “a girl of that sort would (not) ever refuse money’, as she assumes that due to her lower-class origin, she is inherently greedy.
Despite this, Eva is presented as a moral force, who never takes stolen money and won’t marry Eric just for his wealth. This is in contrast to Eric, who steals money, and the Birlings, who arrange Sheila’s marriage for financial gain; in the name of “lower costs and higher prices”.
“very pretty” and having
“big dark eyes” //
“leave after a strike” and “said something about the shop too”
Gerald tries to alleviate his and the other characters’ responsibility by claiming that Eva was many different girls, rather than the same one. This is despite him providing the evidence they were all the same when he linguistically echoes Sheila describing Eva “very pretty” and having “big dark
“There are millions and millions of Eva smiths and john smiths”
The name “smith” has its roots in the working class originating from blacksmith and arguably priestly
does this to demonstrate that her class is a fundamental part of her identity and origins, something that she can’t escape.
Priestley uses the common name ‘John Smith’ to symbolise the universality of the suffering of the working classes, largely forgotten and neglected by the wealthy.
“died in misery and agony - hating life”
After Sheila’s confession, the Inspector reminds her that Eva “died in misery and agony - hating life”.
The graphic adjectives “misery and agony” encourage the audience to empathise with Eva, visualising the pain and suffering she endured at the hands of the Birlings. Priestley intensifies Sheila’s guilt as her enjoyment of life is at the expense of others.
“young and fresh and charming and altogether out of place down there”
Priestley incorporates a predatory description of Eva as there are connotations of desire and fertility from the adjective
‘fresh”, as Gerald views her sexually from the start.
Priestley’s use of this adjective has plural connotations as
Gerald views Eva like food - a possession.
