Eva Smith / Daisy Renton 🧼

“These girls aren’t cheap labour — they’re people.”

Although Eva never appears on stage, Priestley presents her humanity through Sheila’s words. The contrast between “cheap labour” and “people” highlights how the working class are exploited and dehumanised under capitalism. Eva becomes symbolic of all vulnerable workers in Edwardian society (AO1 + AO3)

“She’d had a lot to say — far too much — so she had to go.”

Birling dismisses Eva for protesting against unfair wages. The phrase “had to go” shows the ruthless power employers held over workers, while Priestley criticises capitalist systems that punish those who challenge inequality (AO2 + AO3)

“A lively good-looking girl — country-bred, I fancy.”

The Inspector initially presents Eva as innocent and full of potential. Adjectives like “lively” and “good-looking” humanise her, encouraging audience sympathy and reinforcing the tragedy of her destruction by the upper classes (AO1)

“One Eva Smith has gone — but there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us.”

Eva becomes a universal symbol of the oppressed working class. The repetition of “millions” broadens Priestley’s message beyond one individual, emphasising society’s collective responsibility toward the vulnerable (AO2 + AO3)