Who is most responsible for the death of Eva Smith Essay Example

Brumley Women's Charity Organisation, a charity that assists struggling women and their children who lack financial support. Sheila and Eric, their children of a younger and more easily influenced generation, view the situation in stark contrast to their parents.

Although their parents are not affected by the incident, Sheila and Eric feel personally responsible for the suicide of Eva Smith. Sheila filed a complaint that led to her dismissal from the shop, and Eric impregnated her without the intention of having a long-term relationship or considering her financial situation. On the other hand, Gerald is a practical and progressive person who bridges the gap between generations. He previously had an affair with Eva Smith behind his fiance's back and feels remorse for his actions. He shares the mindset of Mr. and Mrs. Birling, blaming himself indirectly and stating that he cannot be held accountable. However, the inspector sees through their excuses and interrogates them individually to induce fear and guilt for their actions.

From the moment he enters the room, the inspector gains control over the group and maintains his authority until he leaves. His impregnable solidity gives the impression that he cannot be opposed, successfully subduing the group to the point where they do not question his authenticity until long after he has departed. His impeccable timing adds to the dramatic effect, appearing just after they celebrate Sheila's engagement to Gerald with a good meal. In their haze of satisfaction, their ability to interrogate the inspector is compromised. Even Gerald later admits that leaving allowed him to think clearly and expose the false inspector's charade. The reactions of the two generations upon discovering his fraud

differ somewhat.

Arthur and Sybil Birling are relieved that there will be no public scandal after all, believing it to be a prank. However, Eric's self-confession reveals he is an alcoholic and that he stole money. While Arthur and Sybil show little concern, Eric and Sheila feel immense regret. Despite the possibility of the events being a hoax, Sheila made a girl redundant while Eric impregnated a girl without any intention of a long-term relationship. Eric and Sheila cannot accept their parents' behavior as they have committed terrible crimes, regardless of whether Eva Smith was real or not.

According to the inspector, there are many individuals like John and Eva Smith who could indirectly or directly harm more lives. As a socialist, Priestley's opinion is reflected in the inspector's dialogue throughout the play. Priestley showcases that the younger generation is more concerned than their elders and that the new Labour government represents a glimmer of hope for the less fortunate and for bringing an end to issues such as job loss and rationing brought on by the previous coalition government. The theme of the play is that every character bears responsibility in some way for Eva Smith's death, and Eric and Sheila try to persuade their parents to alter their perspectives or face causing harm to countless other John and Eva Smiths in society, even if Eva Smith doesn't exist.

The play ends with the Birlings, who are haughty and conceited adults, receiving a call about a second case that is identical to the first. This may seem like deja vu, but the lesson is that if the snobbish upper classes refuse to learn from their errors, then

there will be no place for them in society and they will suffer as much as the impoverished working-class Smiths.