An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Explore the presentation and significance of Eva Smith in ‘An Inspector Calls’. Although she doesn’t physically appear in the play, you could be asked a question about the presentation of Eva Smith. 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 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 Her looks: “Soft brown hair” “Pretty” “Big brown eyes” Overall, we aren’t told much… …but WHY?

An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Mr Birling Eric Sheila “Lively, good-looking girl” “She wasn’t the usual sort” “A change from the factory” Gerald Inspector Mrs Birling “Young and fresh and charming” “there are millions of Eva Smiths” “Girls of that class”

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.