Class, Responsibility and Eva Smith

Ever wondered why some people get treated differently just because of where they come from? Priestley uses Eva Smith to show how the working class faced mistreatment from wealthy families like the Birlings. Eva represents millions of working-class people who were exploited - whether as factory workers, shop assistants, or when seeking help during desperate times.

The play divides characters into those who accept responsibility and those who don't. Sheila and Eric (the younger generation) learn from their mistakes and feel genuine guilt. Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Birling and Gerald refuse to accept blame, showing how the upper class often avoided consequences for their actions.

The Inspector stands above the class system and acts as Priestley's voice, challenging the capitalist views of characters like Mr Birling. When Birling dismisses social responsibility, saying things like "a man has to mind his own business," the Inspector counters that "we are all members of one body."

💡 Key Point: Eva Smith's name is symbolic - "Eva" suggests "every woman" and "Smith" is one of the most common surnames, representing all working-class people who suffered under capitalism.