Eva Smith Flashcards
Describes the cruel way that she ended her life
“Two hours ago a young woman died in the Infirmary. She’d been
taken there this afternoon because she’d swallowed a lot of strong
disinfectant. Burnt her inside out, of course”
Describes the way she looked, one of the first things that is mentioned is her looks.
“Now – about this girl, Eva Smith. I remember her quite well now. She
was a lively good-looking girl – country-bred, I fancy – and she’d been
working in one of our shops for over a year. A good worker too.”
Talks about the divisions between classes.
“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges”
When talking to Mrs Birling is mentioned how Eva was pregnant with Erics child.
“You’ve had children. You must have known what she was feeling. And
you slammed the door in her face”
Mentions how she killed herself, also mentions how the Birlings and Gerald contributed to Evas death.
“And be quiet for a moment and listen to me. I don’t need to know any
more. Neither do you. This girl killed herself- and died a horrible death.
But each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget it. (He
looks from one to the other of them carefully)But then I don’t think you
ever will. Remember what you did”
Talks about how there are many more people just like Eva Smith and how the division between classes and how even though there is a division we’re still one society
“But remember this. One Eva Smith has gone- but there are millions
and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with
us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of
happiness, all intertwined with our lives, and what we think and say
and do. We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are
responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come
when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in
fire and blood and anguish. Good night.”
She suffered hours of pain.
“…and died, after several hours of agony…”
Having beauty backfired on her.
“She was a very pretty girl…that didn’t make it any better.”
Mentions her beauty once again and she was very lonely.
“She was young and pretty and warm-hearted- and intensely grateful. I
became at once the most important person in her life- you
understand?”
Mrs Birling believed she was desperate because of her class.
“She was giving herself ridiculous airs…claiming elaborate fine
feelings…that were simply absurd in a girl in her position.”
