Accepting Responsibility for the Behavior Towards Eva Smith

Accepting Responsibility for the Behavior Towards Eva Smith

Although each member of the Birling family and Gerald Croft have had

contact with Eva Smith/Daisy Renton during the previous two years,

none of them is aware of the others´ involvement in the tragedy until

the day of the Inspector's visit. He makes them aware of the part they

have played in her tragic end. The characters each react differently

to the news and to the degree of responsibility which they should

bear, Therefore I think the Inspector Call has caused the character to

think about their actions towards Eva Smith.

ERIC

Eric is a young man, a bit of mess. His behaviour before the Inspector

arrives is described as thoughtless, careless and immature. He has no

personality, this is evident on page 2 "not quite as ease, half shy,

half assertive". Her sister, Sheila, soon describes him as "squiffy"

on page 3 which demonstrates he tends to drink a bit too much. But he

shows he has a certain respect when he is speaking with his father,

this is illustrated on page 4 "not too rudely".

Despite his carelessness, after the Inspector arrives, Eric shows

involuntary sympathy for Eva Smith when he learn about her death and

how Mr Birling had lay her off. This is manifested on page 11

"(involuntarily) My God !"This tells me he is sorrowful for her.

When Eric has to admit how he behaved towards Eva Smith/Daisy Renton,

he has a stronger sense of guilt, but that does not excuse his

behaviour because the consequences are much worse. Although not

entirely to blame for her suicide, he must take much of the

responsibility because he used her. He was drunk, and confessed that

it happened because he was not conscious, but he feels terribly sorry

for her, this is clearly showed on page 52 when he is trying to

justify himself "well, I was in that state when a chap easily turns

nasty" However, he did not rape her; she was offering her services as

a prostitute. Also, she could have married him. It was her choice not

to. He tried to help her financially but she refused to accept any

more stolen money. Maybe Eva/Daisy was too honourable. Nevertheless

Eric deeply regret what he did, this is illustrated on page 52 "

That's the hellish thing. Oh - my God! - how stupid it all is!" This

tells me he wanted to remember exactly what happened, and the fact

that he can not, makes him feels angry and more guilty.

As a last resort, Eva turns to the Brumley Women's Charity

Organisation for help.