The Dramatic Effect of Eva Smith in Relation to Two of the Characters in An Inspector Calls

The Dramatic Effect of Eva Smith in Relation to Two of the Characters in An Inspector Calls

We are halfway through Act Three of "An Inspector Calls" by J.B.

Priestley. The Inspector has, just as eerily and spookily as he

arrived, exited the home of the Birling family. His provocation of the

revelations that have been forced out by all members of the family

including Sheila's husband-to-be Gerald, has left them bewildered and

as very different people to the happy family group they were a few

hours previously. In this play, the Inspector has very prominently

acted as the representative for Eva Smith, who has apparently died

tragically this night. We are given a few details about this girl -

she was country-born and was blessed with "soft brown hair and dark

brown eyes" and a pretty appearance. Taking into account the fact that

Eva is a young woman to whom we have never spoken and who does not

physically enter this play at all - she is but a diary, a photograph

and a story - how exactly has she managed to affect these five lives

so colossally?

I will focus on the reactions of and the effect upon Arthur and Sheila

Birling - father and daughter.

It appears that, ironically, the Birling family has once again been

split. At the beginning of the play, the audience remembers the men

together in the drawing room, sharing drinks and talking of success.

Mr. Birling, father of Eric and Sheila, is obviously a businessman

with a very capitalist nature and way of thinking, given his mission

statement "working together - for lower costs and higher prices" as he

lectures Gerald and Eric. Maybe this personality flaw is what has

caused him to con...

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...r Birling. It is rather saddening

to watch the family having had such an experience, almost a blessing,

with a prophet such as Inspector Goole and his interrogation. This is

because he has taught Arthur, Sybil, Sheila, Eric and Gerald a very

valuable lesson, which half of the family has apparently taken no note

of whatsoever. It is apparent that Eva Smith, Daisy Renton or whoever

it was coming into contact with the Birling family over the said

period of time may not exist, but this has not stopped her from having

an extremely consequential effect on five people. Priestley has, fully

intentionally of course, left us wondering if the Birlings will think

about their effect upon people around them - or whether they will have

to be taught their lesson of concern for those of lower social

standing in fire, blood and anguish.