Eva Smith in 'An Inspector Calls': representation and symbolism
I can understand and explain the symbolism of Eva Smith and how she is constructed through other characters.
Eva Smith in 'An Inspector Calls': representation and symbolism
I can understand and explain the symbolism of Eva Smith and how she is constructed through other characters.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning 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.
- 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
Keywords
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 misconception
Eva Smith doesn’t have dialogue and therefore she can’t be analysed in depth.
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.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Eva Smith in 'An Inspector Calls': representation and symbolism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Eva Smith in 'An Inspector Calls': representation and symbolism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the An Inspector Calls Deep Dive 1 unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Fired her after a minor complaint.
Had an affair and then abandoned her.
Rejected her when she sought help.
Took advantage of her vulnerability.
Investigates her death, seeking accountabiltiy.
Used her status to get Eva fired out of jealousy