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0
A
Afra Asare
13/12/2025
English Literature
Grade 9 inspector calls essay
68
•
13 Dec 2025
•
Grade 9 Essay on An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Analysis
A
Afra Asare
@afraasare
1 / 3
Eva Smith as a Symbol of Social Injustice
Eva Smith might be the most important character in the play, even though she never appears on stage! Priestley uses her tragic story to show how upper-class families like the Birlings abuse their power over working-class people.
The Inspector becomes Eva's voice because she can't speak for herself—highlighting how powerless women and poor people were in Edwardian society. When he describes how the Birlings treated Eva "as if she was an animal, a thing, not a person," the zoomorphism and objectification reveal their complete lack of respect for her humanity.
Each Birling family member uses Eva to satisfy their selfish desires—Eric for his sexual urges, Mr Birling for cheap labour. The Inspector's warning about "fire and blood and anguish" uses biblical imagery to suggest divine punishment awaits those who ignore their social responsibility.
Key Point: Eva represents all vulnerable people in society who suffer because the wealthy put profit and pleasure before human dignity.
Generational Divide: Old vs Young
The older generation refuses to accept blame for Eva's death, showing how set in their ways they are. Mr Birling's philosophy that "a man has to mind his own business and look after himself" perfectly captures capitalist selfishness—he treats workers like machines rather than people.
Mrs Birling is obsessed with keeping up appearances and maintaining her social status. When she says "he certainly didn't make me confess," she's more worried about scandal than Eva's suffering. This shows her sense of entitlement—she believes nobody beneath her class has the right to question her actions.
The younger generation responds completely differently. Eric and Sheila are malleable and actually listen to the Inspector's message about collective responsibility. Eric's admission that "I did what I did to her" shows genuine remorse and moral growth.
Key Point: Priestley suggests that social change can only happen when young people reject their parents' outdated capitalist values and embrace socialism.
Hope for Change Through Youth
Sheila's transformation is the most dramatic example of moral awakening in the play. When she echoes the Inspector's words about "fire and blood and anguish," she shows she truly understands Eva's suffering and feels genuine guilt.
The repetition of "did what" emphasises how each family member contributed to Eva's destruction—it wasn't just one person's fault but a collective failure. This reflects the systemic oppression that many working-class people experienced.
Sheila becoming the Inspector's proxy suggests that young people can carry forward his message of social responsibility. Her use of personal pronouns like "me" shows she's internalised the lesson and made it personal rather than abstract.
However, Priestley hints that individual change isn't enough—society as a whole must transform. The cyclical narrative structure reminds us that Eva's story represents countless others who suffer under an unfair class system.
Key Point: Real social progress requires both personal responsibility and collective action to protect society's most vulnerable members.
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Most popular content in English Literature
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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 Klich
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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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
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 S
iOS 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 Klich
Android 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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Grade 9 Essay on An Inspector Calls: Eva Smith Analysis
A
Afra Asare
@afraasare
Ever wondered how writers use characters to make powerful points about society? In "An Inspector Calls," J.B. Priestley uses Eva Smith—a working-class woman we never actually meet—to expose how the wealthy treat the poor and why everyone needs to take... Show more
Eva Smith as a Symbol of Social Injustice
Eva Smith might be the most important character in the play, even though she never appears on stage! Priestley uses her tragic story to show how upper-class families like the Birlings abuse their power over working-class people.
The Inspector becomes Eva's voice because she can't speak for herself—highlighting how powerless women and poor people were in Edwardian society. When he describes how the Birlings treated Eva "as if she was an animal, a thing, not a person," the zoomorphism and objectification reveal their complete lack of respect for her humanity.
Each Birling family member uses Eva to satisfy their selfish desires—Eric for his sexual urges, Mr Birling for cheap labour. The Inspector's warning about "fire and blood and anguish" uses biblical imagery to suggest divine punishment awaits those who ignore their social responsibility.
Key Point: Eva represents all vulnerable people in society who suffer because the wealthy put profit and pleasure before human dignity.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Generational Divide: Old vs Young
The older generation refuses to accept blame for Eva's death, showing how set in their ways they are. Mr Birling's philosophy that "a man has to mind his own business and look after himself" perfectly captures capitalist selfishness—he treats workers like machines rather than people.
Mrs Birling is obsessed with keeping up appearances and maintaining her social status. When she says "he certainly didn't make me confess," she's more worried about scandal than Eva's suffering. This shows her sense of entitlement—she believes nobody beneath her class has the right to question her actions.
The younger generation responds completely differently. Eric and Sheila are malleable and actually listen to the Inspector's message about collective responsibility. Eric's admission that "I did what I did to her" shows genuine remorse and moral growth.
Key Point: Priestley suggests that social change can only happen when young people reject their parents' outdated capitalist values and embrace socialism.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Hope for Change Through Youth
Sheila's transformation is the most dramatic example of moral awakening in the play. When she echoes the Inspector's words about "fire and blood and anguish," she shows she truly understands Eva's suffering and feels genuine guilt.
The repetition of "did what" emphasises how each family member contributed to Eva's destruction—it wasn't just one person's fault but a collective failure. This reflects the systemic oppression that many working-class people experienced.
Sheila becoming the Inspector's proxy suggests that young people can carry forward his message of social responsibility. Her use of personal pronouns like "me" shows she's internalised the lesson and made it personal rather than abstract.
However, Priestley hints that individual change isn't enough—society as a whole must transform. The cyclical narrative structure reminds us that Eva's story represents countless others who suffer under an unfair class system.
Key Point: Real social progress requires both personal responsibility and collective action to protect society's most vulnerable members.
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.
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Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google 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 S
iOS 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 Klich
Android 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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
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 S
iOS 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 Klich
Android 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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user