Hypocrisy/Eva Smith

Question 1

“a girl of that sort would (not) ever refuse money” // “​impertinence​ (in claiming to be Mrs Birling)” // “​one of the things that prejudiced me against her​”

Answer 1

Mrs Birling is ​prejudiced​ against Eva’s story due to her ​class​, rather than against Eva as an individual. She even admits to this when pointing out Eva’s “​impertinence”​ (in claiming to be Mrs Birling) as “​one of the things that prejudiced me against her”​ . The use of the ​noun​ ​“impertinence”​ is loaded with connotations of class prejudice, implying that Mrs Birling sees herself as superior to Eva. Therefore, those living in ​poverty​ have no way to escape it as they cannot challenge their exploitation. Eva’s attempt to strike saw her fired and even the institutes meant to help those in her position are prejudiced​ against her.

Question 2

“​a girl of that sort would (not) ever refuse money​”

Answer 2

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​”.

Question 3

“​very pretty​” and having “​big dark eyes​” // “​leave after a strike”​ and “​said something about the shop too​”

Answer 3

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 eyes”​ . Furthermore, he recalls her telling him she had a job that she had to “​leave after a strike”​ and “​said something about the shop too​”. This makes it profoundly clear that the characters are ​denying the Inspector’s accusations for their own benefit – so they can continue to live their materialistic lives without taking ​responsibility​ or trying to change.