Eva Smith (also known as Daisy Renton) is the central...
English Literature363 views·Updated Jun 8, 2026·4 pagesEva Smith Study Notes
M
Manasve S@manasves_zzbj
1 / 4
1
of 4
The Meaning Behind Her Names
Ever wondered why Priestley chose such specific names for his protagonist? Eva Smith and Daisy Renton aren't random choices - they're packed with symbolism that reveals everything about class in 1912.
The name "Eva" connects her to Eve from the Bible, suggesting she's pure and innocent from the moment we hear about her. This immediately tells us the Birlings are in the wrong. Meanwhile, "Smith" is one of Britain's most common surnames, showing she represents millions of working-class people facing the same struggles.
"Daisy Renton" works differently - daisies are beautiful but common flowers that some people see as weeds. This perfectly captures how the upper classes viewed working-class women - pretty to look at but ultimately disposable.
Key Point: Eva's dual names show she's both an individual victim and a symbol of an entire social class.
2
of 4
Eva's Moral Strength
Despite her desperate situation, Eva shows remarkable moral principles that put the Birlings to shame. When Eric offers to marry her, she refuses because "she didn't want me to marry her" - she'd rather face poverty than trap someone in a loveless marriage.
Her affair with Gerald ends because "she knew it wouldn't last" - Eva understands that class divisions are too strong for their relationship to survive. The phrase "didn't blame me at all" shows she's become resigned to her fate, knowing working-class women can't expect happy endings with upper-class men.
The description "twenty four [...] she had been pretty - very pretty" is heartbreaking. The past tense emphasises that her beauty and life are finished, whilst the focus on her looks suggests society only cares because she was attractive.
Remember: Eva's dignity contrasts sharply with the Birlings' selfishness throughout the play.
3
of 4
From Fighter to Victim
Eva's character arc shows a tragic transformation from activist to victim. Early on, she's described as one of the "ring-leaders" who "had a lot to say" during the factory strike - she's fighting for workers' rights and standing up to injustice.
This fighting spirit gradually disappears as each Birling family member crushes her hopes. The horrific detail that "she'd swallowed a lot of strong disinfectant" which "burnt her inside out" shows the torture she endured - both physically in death and emotionally in life.
The Inspector's famous line about "millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths" uses hyperbolic repetition to hammer home the scale of the problem. Eva becomes a symbol not just of one woman's suffering, but of an entire class being failed by society.
Think About This: Eva's journey from optimistic fighter to defeated victim mirrors what happened to many working-class people in Edwardian Britain.
4
of 4
Complete Defeat and Symbolism
By the end, Eva is utterly broken. The line "she hadn't a job - and didn't feel like trying again for one" shows her complete defeat. The negative language and modal verbs reveal someone who's given up entirely - she's been hurt too many times to keep fighting.
As a character profile, Eva works on multiple levels. She's never physically present on stage, which highlights her voicelessness and lack of power in society. Yet ironically, her absence makes her more powerful as a symbol.
Eva represents the universal symbol of oppression - her struggles could belong to any working-class person facing exploitation by the wealthy. Her journey deliberately demonises the middle and upper classes, showing how their casual cruelty destroys innocent lives.
Essay Tip: Always discuss how Eva's symbolic role supports Priestley's socialist message about social responsibility.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: An Inspector Calls
9Most popular content in English Literature
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user
English Literature363 views·Updated Jun 8, 2026·4 pagesEva Smith Study Notes
M
Manasve S@manasves_zzbj
Eva Smith (also known as Daisy Renton) is the central character in Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" who never actually appears on stage. Her story reveals how the wealthy Birling family destroyed a working-class woman's life through their selfish actions.
1
of 4
Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
The Meaning Behind Her Names
Ever wondered why Priestley chose such specific names for his protagonist? Eva Smith and Daisy Renton aren't random choices - they're packed with symbolism that reveals everything about class in 1912.
The name "Eva" connects her to Eve from the Bible, suggesting she's pure and innocent from the moment we hear about her. This immediately tells us the Birlings are in the wrong. Meanwhile, "Smith" is one of Britain's most common surnames, showing she represents millions of working-class people facing the same struggles.
"Daisy Renton" works differently - daisies are beautiful but common flowers that some people see as weeds. This perfectly captures how the upper classes viewed working-class women - pretty to look at but ultimately disposable.
Key Point: Eva's dual names show she's both an individual victim and a symbol of an entire social class.
2
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Eva's Moral Strength
Despite her desperate situation, Eva shows remarkable moral principles that put the Birlings to shame. When Eric offers to marry her, she refuses because "she didn't want me to marry her" - she'd rather face poverty than trap someone in a loveless marriage.
Her affair with Gerald ends because "she knew it wouldn't last" - Eva understands that class divisions are too strong for their relationship to survive. The phrase "didn't blame me at all" shows she's become resigned to her fate, knowing working-class women can't expect happy endings with upper-class men.
The description "twenty four [...] she had been pretty - very pretty" is heartbreaking. The past tense emphasises that her beauty and life are finished, whilst the focus on her looks suggests society only cares because she was attractive.
Remember: Eva's dignity contrasts sharply with the Birlings' selfishness throughout the play.
3
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
From Fighter to Victim
Eva's character arc shows a tragic transformation from activist to victim. Early on, she's described as one of the "ring-leaders" who "had a lot to say" during the factory strike - she's fighting for workers' rights and standing up to injustice.
This fighting spirit gradually disappears as each Birling family member crushes her hopes. The horrific detail that "she'd swallowed a lot of strong disinfectant" which "burnt her inside out" shows the torture she endured - both physically in death and emotionally in life.
The Inspector's famous line about "millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths" uses hyperbolic repetition to hammer home the scale of the problem. Eva becomes a symbol not just of one woman's suffering, but of an entire class being failed by society.
Think About This: Eva's journey from optimistic fighter to defeated victim mirrors what happened to many working-class people in Edwardian Britain.
4
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Complete Defeat and Symbolism
By the end, Eva is utterly broken. The line "she hadn't a job - and didn't feel like trying again for one" shows her complete defeat. The negative language and modal verbs reveal someone who's given up entirely - she's been hurt too many times to keep fighting.
As a character profile, Eva works on multiple levels. She's never physically present on stage, which highlights her voicelessness and lack of power in society. Yet ironically, her absence makes her more powerful as a symbol.
Eva represents the universal symbol of oppression - her struggles could belong to any working-class person facing exploitation by the wealthy. Her journey deliberately demonises the middle and upper classes, showing how their casual cruelty destroys innocent lives.
Essay Tip: Always discuss how Eva's symbolic role supports Priestley's socialist message about social responsibility.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: An Inspector Calls
9Most popular content in English Literature
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user