Summary AN INSPECTOR CALLS Theme Analysis Maps GCSE English Literature
7 views 0 purchase
Course
English
Institution
GCSE
4 A4 PAGES IN THIS BUNDLE
This bundle contains in depth theme analysis on the main themes in the text which are: generations, social responsibility, class and gender.
These theme analysis maps are detailed, with each detailing information about key moments, how the themes link to the context an...
EDNA IN 'AN INSPECTOR CALLS'' SYMBOLISM OF EVA SMITH
Priestley explores the theme of class mainly through Eva In An Inspector Calls, Eva is the most noteable symbol of working class individuals. She goes
Smith, a working class (or perhaps even lower class when through various phases of the class system: she is a factory worker, a sales assistant, a
she loses her job) woman, but also through Edna, the mistress and a future single mother (effectively
Birling's maid. Priestley purposely makes Edna a T H E M E A N A L Y S I S moving from working class to lower class). Quite
CLASS
forgettable character who forms a miniscule part of the fittingly, her story is told from the lens of the upper
action. Her lines include 'sir' and 'ma'am'. She is a class, as Eva Smith never appears in front of the
character devoid of any meaningful development, which audience, which leaves her reliant on the Inspector to
is a deliberate attempt by Priestley to exhibit how the correct the narrative around working class
working class have no prevailing identity or true purpose beyond surving the upper class. It individuals. The likes of Mr Birling, Mrs Birling and
is ironic that the Inspector says later in the play that 'millions of Eva Smith's' that suffer at Sheila Birling would lead the audience to believe that
the hands of the upper class, as Edna is one of these millions that we are immediately working class women like Eva were rowdy disruptions
introduced to. Despite meeting Edna early in the play, the audience likely innocently ignores and liars who you must 'come down sharply' (Mr
Edna completely, as she has no real voice and is subservient to the upper class. Birling) upon. However, it later becomes clear to the
audience that like many working class individuals, Eva
NOTEABLE MOMENTS Smith just wanted fair pay and good working
A moment pertaining to class that is noteable is when Gerald reveals that Joe Meggarty, 'an conditions. Not only does the adverb 'sharply'
'Alderman' (otherwise referred to as a council member) is 'notorious womaniser' and a 'sot' (a highlight the lack of sympathy of the upper class, it
drunk). It is ironic how an upper class friend being a womaniser and a drunk is so unfathomable to also highlights their privilege as they are able to sack
the Birling's, despite the fact that Gerald himself is a womaniser, and Eric himself is a drunk. Mrs individuals and never give it a second thought,
Birling's rejection of Eva when she approaches her charity is another regrettable yet noteable returning to their comfortable lives. This reveals how
moment, as Mrs Birling remarks 'as if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money', dehumanising the upper class in 1912 were truly left in disdain and
working class woman by dismissing her as a 'girl of that sort', not even assigning her any personal were gravely insulted when lower class people tried
pronouns or a name. She views working class women as greedy for money, which is ironic given she to narrow the class divide by demanding fair
is the chairwomen of a charity, specifically designed to help women like Eva. treatment.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller temitayoogunbayo. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $4.68. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
