Social Responsibility and Class Division

Ever wonder why Mr Birling sounds so selfish? Priestley deliberately crafts his dialogue to expose the worst of capitalist thinking. When Birling declares "a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own", he's basically telling his sons to ignore everyone else's problems - especially those of the working class.

The simile comparing society to "bees in a hive" reveals Birling's twisted view of social hierarchy. He sees working-class people as mindless drones who exist solely to create wealth for their superiors. It's a pretty harsh metaphor that shows just how disconnected he is from reality.

Priestley uses euphemism throughout the play to highlight class barriers. Notice how the Birlings rarely say "Eva Smith" - instead, they use dismissive phrases like "girls of that sort" and "wretched girl". This language choice shows their refusal to see Eva as an individual human being.

Quick Tip: When analysing quotes, always ask yourself: what does this reveal about the character's attitudes towards social class and responsibility?

Only Sheila consistently uses Eva's actual name, suggesting she's developing genuine empathy and social responsibility - unlike her parents who refuse accountability.

The Meaning Behind Character Names

Priestley didn't just randomly pick names for his characters - every choice serves a purpose. Eva Smith represents every working-class woman struggling in 1912 Britain, and her name proves it.

Smith is deliberately ordinary - it's one of the most common surnames in Britain, suggesting Eva could be anyone's daughter, sister, or friend. This makes the audience care about her fate even though she never appears on stage. Priestley wants us to see that there are millions of "Eva Smiths" facing similar struggles.

The name Eva connects to the biblical Eve, who was blamed for humanity's downfall. Just like Eve, Eva Smith gets blamed for her own misfortune and death by the Birlings, who call it "nasty business" rather than taking responsibility.

Her alias Daisy Renton tells a different story. Renton sounds like "rent", highlighting her temporary, unstable living situation and hint at prostitution. Meanwhile, Daisy represents innocence and fragility - these flowers are common, short-lived, and delicate, just like Eva's life.

Remember: Character names in literature are rarely accidental - they're tools authors use to reinforce themes and create deeper meaning.

The contrast between "Eva Smith" (harsh reality) and "Daisy Renton" (beauty and innocence) shows how society's treatment can transform the same person.