The Significance of Eva Smith in "An Inspector Calls
Eva Smith is a crucial character in "An Inspector Calls" despite her absence on stage. She symbolizes the shadow looming over the Birling family, representing the lower classes and societal issues. Similar to Biblical Eve, Eva Smith's portrayal highlights the plight of millions. Her character serves as a catalyst for social and personal change, echoing the Suffragette Movement's struggles for women's rights in early 20th-century England.
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An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Although she doesn t physically appear in the play, you could be asked a question about the presentation of Eva Smith. Calls . Explore the presentation and significance of Eva Smith in An Inspector What would you write?
An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith She isn t physically there, but her presence is felt She is the shadow hanging over the entire of the Birling family She can be felt even over the first few pages before the Inspector arrives
An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Eva Smith Similar to Eve from Genesis. Biblical Eve corrupted men Smith is the most common surname in the UK Relatable emphasises the millions of people she represents in the lower classes
An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Daisy Renton Daisy a soft, delicate and common flower Renton begins with rent prostitution? Her soft, delicate nature is still present, but she is being ruined by society.
An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Soft brown hair Her looks: Pretty Big brown eyes Overall, we aren t told much but WHY?
An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Mr Birling Lively, good- looking girl Eric Sheila A change from the factory She wasn t the usual sort Inspector there are millions of Eva Smiths Gerald Mrs Birling Girls of that class Young and fresh and charming
An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Driver for social change Her role? A warning Momentum Driver for personal change Vehicle for Priestley s views
An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith The Suffragette Movement (began in 1903) Women were banned from public places to stop them sharing their radical ideas. Women s bodies became a site of conflict with authorities. In 1912, the Parliamentary Franchise (Women) Bill was introduced and defeated, leading to violent protests What can we link this to?
An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Her death: Killed herself with disinfectant Cleansing herself of the corruption she has had to swallow Violent and painful death a martyr (much like the suffragettes) A metaphor for her body being violated
An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Summary: Constantly exploited (especially by men) Representative of the lower class Representative of the manipulation of women Used as a warning to learn from lessons Reminder of morality and humanity
An Inspector Calls: Planning an Eva Smith Question INSPECTOR:there are millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths in the world Discuss the significance of the character of Eva Smith in An Inspector Calls . Plan a response to the question above.
