Eva Smth

Question 1

The name smith has its roots in working class originating from blacksmith and arguably priestley does this to demonstrate that her class is a fundamental part of her identity and origines something 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.

Answer 1

There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths’

Question 2

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 birling’s. Priestley intensifies Sheila’s guilt as her enjoyment of life is at the expense of others.

Answer 2

“died in misery and agony
- hating life”

Question 3

Arguably, the name renton is derived from the verb to rent, a euphemism for prostitution in the early 20th century. Priestley uses this change in name to mark eva being forced to change her approach to surviving in a hostile society. She can no longer survive by working hard and therefore she must go against her own moral principles to survive, engaging in prostitution.

Answer 3

“Renton”

Question 4

The adjective fresh bears connotations of desire and fertility demonstrating that gerald views her like food, an example of misogynistic objectification. Priestley also includes connotations of purity as she is “out of place” which is possibly a euphemism for her still being a virgin.

Answer 4

“young, fresh and charming and altogether out of place down there”

Question 5

Priestleys use of the stage direction “with dignity” suggests that mrs birling’s role is not held out of care or compassion for the poor but as a way to gain influence and status. Mrs birling claims that the financial aid is reserved only for deserving cases a decision made at the discretion of the upper classes, reflecting how the lives of the working classes are controlled by the wealthy

Answer 5

“[with dignity] we’ve done a great deal of useful work for deserving cases”

Question 6

Eva is a working class woman and suffers because of it, beginning with being fired after asking for a living wage, which is a reasonable request. For the benefit of those who profit from capitalism, the strikers are not protected and therefore are exploited. However Mr Birling’s stinginess is soon resolved when there is a chance of criminal prosecution

Answer 6

“[unhappily] give thousands - yes, thousands”