CHARACTERISATION “This girl. Eva Smith, was one of them, she'd had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go.” “It's the only time I’ve ever done anything like that, and I’ll never, never do it again to anybody.”

Symbolic Characters Characters can act as symbols, based on their actions, words, and personalities Mr. Birling  _________________________ Sheila Birling  _________________________ Eva Smith  _________________________ Inspector Goole  _________________________

Talking About Eva Who says each quotation? What do the quotations tell you about: The speaker? Edwardian attitudes to working class women? Eva’s position in society and the possibilities open to her?

What do each of these characters stand for? Birling vs Sheila What do each of these characters stand for?

Sheila & Birling Analysis Sheila’s social background Sheila’s views about Eva Sheila’s response to the crime & quotes Birling’s social background Birling’s views on the poor Birling’s response to the crime & quotes

Birling as a symbol for capitalism

Sheila as a symbol for morality

Characters as Symbols PEELA #1: Sheila as a symbol Two quotations proving your point Language & technique analysis Priestley's intention & 1945 audience reaction PEELA #2: Mr. Birling as a symbol Priestley's intention & 1945 audience reactio

Comprehension Questions What is the mood in the room when Sheila enters? How does Sheila react to the Inspector’s news? Why does Sheila react so violently to the photograph? How is Sheila’s reaction different to other characters’? How is Sheila affected by her realisation? Why did Priestley choose to have Sheila and Mr. Birling interrogated in the same Act one after the other?