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Year 11 - English

Eva Smith in 'An Inspector Calls': representation and symbolism

'An Inspector Calls': societal expectations of gender and class

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about how Priestly questions societal expectations of gender and class in 'An Inspector Calls'. They look at three female characters, Sheila, Mrs Birling and Eva, and also explore how masculinity is presented. They finally plan and write an essay on the topic.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to understand and explain the symbolism of Eva Smith and how she is constructed through other characters.

Key Notes

  • Eva represents working-class women, symbolising their struggles with class, gender, and inequality in Edwardian society.
  • Eva Smith's 'absent presence' emphasises her dual role as a powerless victim and a symbolic critique of society.
  • Priestley constructs Eva's character through the attitudes and language of others.
  • Eva is constructed as a victim of societal expectations.
  • Arguably, Priestley constructs Eva as a sympathetic character to evoke a response from the audience

Vocabulary To Learn

  • construct: to create or build an image or understanding of something
  • anguish: severe pain, suffering, or distress, often emotional or mental
  • symbolism: the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities
  • oppress: treat people or groups unfairly or cruelly, often by limiting their rights, freedom, or opportunities
  • paradox: a statement or situation that seems contradictory or impossible but may actually reveal a truth when examined more closely

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Eva Smith doesn't have dialogue and therefore she can't be analysed in depth.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Eva represents working-class women, symbolising their struggles with class, gender, and inequality in Edwardian society. Eva Smith's 'absent presence' emphasises her dual role as a powerless victim and a symbolic critique of society.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'construct'

to create or build an image or understanding of something.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Eva Smith doesn't have dialogue and therefore she can't be analysed in depth. Correction: Eva's lack of dialogue actually makes her more powerful to analyse. Her silence and absence force the audience to focus on how others speak about her.

More Lessons In This Unit

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