Questions and Answers
What did Mr Birling describe Eva as?
What does Gerald's control over Eva signify?
Upper-class power and exploitation
Eva's character reveals that men were held to the same moral standards as women at the time.
False
Priestley uses the character of Eva to convey his message of __________.
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What does the repetition in the Inspector's speech highlight?
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What does Eric's use of power over Eva suggest?
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Sheila reflects economic power over Eva as a result of her father's status.
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What does the Inspector summarize about women's status?
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What do Eva's names indicate about her character?
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Mr Birling fires Eva Smith after her __________.
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Eva's lack of power is contrasted with the power of upper-class characters.
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Study Notes
Eva Smith - Key Quotes Analysis
- Eva Smith represents the objectification of women, highlighted by comments on her appearance as a source of pleasure rather than an equal counterpart.
- Mr. Birling's description of Eva as "country-bred" suggests a view of her as inferior, akin to an animal used for labor, reflecting societal attitudes toward the working class.
Gerald's Influence
- Gerald's societal status enables control over Eva, making her dependent on him for basic necessities, exemplifying the notion of the "fairy prince" trope.
- The dynamic between Gerald and Eva contrasts with his relationship with Sheila, where Gerald's dominance emphasizes a preference for subservience in women, indicating class exploitation.
Double Standards of Gender
- Eva's circumstance highlights the inequitable moral expectations between genders, as she faces stigmatization for being pregnant out of wedlock while the men are largely unpunished for their actions.
- The narrative illustrates that the working class, particularly women like Eva, bear the consequences of societal norms not imposed on upper-class men.
Social Responsibility
- The Inspector's remark about the millions of Eva Smiths signifies the widespread issue of class exploitation and the need for social awareness and responsibility.
- The message points towards collective societal harm beyond gender, with emphasis on the vulnerability faced by all in the working class.
Exploitation and Power Dynamics
- Eric's use of economic and physical power culminates in an abusive relationship with Eva, suggesting potential sexual violence in their interactions.
- Eva’s struggles symbolize the plight of working-class women coerced into exploitative situations due to economic desperation.
Sheila's Patriarchal Influence
- Sheila's power stems from her family's wealth, yet her influence over Eva reflects the societal framework that maintains women in subordinate roles.
- The character dynamics suggest that both upper and lower-class women are victims of patriarchy, as Sheila's actions reinforce Eva’s destitution.
Objectification of Women
- The Inspector’s comments encapsulate the dehumanization of women, portraying them as mere objects rather than individuals with worth.
Symbolism of Eva Smith/Daisy Renton
- Eva Smith’s character serves as an embodiment of exploited workers, highlighting the imbalance of power in society and the potential for change through social reform and suffrage.
- Her name symbolizes the universal plight of working-class individuals, with "Eva" echoing "Eve," connecting her to the broader narrative of women's suffering, while "Smith" represents the commonality of working-class experiences.
Institutional Injustice
- Mr. Birling’s dismissal of Eva after her vocalization during a strike serves as a critique of capitalist systems that prioritize profit over the rights and voices of workers.
- The quote signifies that both class and gender marginalization result in a lack of empowerment, reinforcing the need for societal change, especially after gaining women’s suffrage in 1945.
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Description
Explore key quotes about Eva Smith from J.B. Priestley's play 'An Inspector Calls'. This quiz focuses on her portrayal and the objectification of women in the early 20th century. Understand how these quotes reveal social attitudes and character dynamics in the narrative.
