Eva Smith/Daisy Renton

Question 1

Why is Eva’s second name “Smith”?

Answer 1

Because it is an incredibly common working class name, representing the entire class

Question 2

What does Eric say about Eva pushing for higher wages?

Answer 2

“Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices.”

Question 3

What quote demonstrates the impact of Eva’s suicide upon Sheila?

Answer 3

“It’s just that I can’t help thinking about this girl. Destroying herself so horribly.”

Question 4

How does Sheila comment regarding the labour which Eva was involved in?

Answer 4

“These girls aren’t cheap labour - They’re people.”

Question 5

How does Eva expose Sheila’s vanity as she tells the story?

Answer 5

“If she’d been some miserable plain little creature, I don’t suppose I’d have done it.”

Question 6

How does Mr Birling disregard Eva via generalization?

Answer 6

“Girls of that class…”

Question 7

How is Eva patronized by Gerald?

Answer 7

“I hate those hard eyes, dough-faced women”
…
“I noticed a girl who looked quite different. She was very pretty - Soft brown hair and big dark eyes.”

Question 8

How is Gerald’s hero complex demonstrated through his treatment of Eva?

Answer 8

“I became at once the most important person in her life - You understand?”