1. 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?

2. 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…

3. 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

4. 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.

5. An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith
Her looks:
“Soft brown hair”
“Pretty”
“Big brown eyes”
Overall, we aren’t told much…
…but WHY?

6. 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”

7. An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith
Driver for social change
Her role?
A warning
Momentum
Driver for personal change
Vehicle for Priestley’s views

8. 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?

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.