Gender Flashcards
In his parallel portrayal of a Sheila and Eva Smith, Priestley
explores how society allows privilege to trump moral values.
Gerald’s ‘rescuing’ of Eva Smith from Alderman Meggarty merely
show us different ways young working class women are exploited
Although intrinsically good, Eva Smith personifies the exploitation
of working class women in a patriarchal society.
Whilst Eric regrets his misogynistic behaviour, a
modern audience is likely to be even less forgiving of his remorse
Oh – it’s wonderful! Look –
mummy – isn’t it a beauty?
with no work, no money coming in, and living in lodgings, with no relatives to
help her, few friends, lonely, half-starved, she was feeling desperate.
She was here alone, friendless,
almost penniless, desperate.
so she’d come to you for assistance because
she didn’t want to take stolen money?
She was young and pretty and warm
hearted – and intensely grateful.
I didn’t install her there so that I could
make love to her.
You were the wonderful fairy prince. You
must have adored it, Gerald
Everything’s all right now, Sheila. (Holds up the
ring.) What about this ring?
But these girls aren’t cheap
labour. They’re people.
Between us, we drove that
girl to commit suicide.
but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and
John Smiths still left with us
