An Inspector Calls Eva Smith Death Analysis

Introduction

Inspector Goole said to Sheila and Gerald, “You see, we have to share something. If there’s nothing else, we’ll have to share our guilt.” (page 29). An Inspector Calls is a play with the main theme being the constant shift of blame surrounding a young girl 's suicide in 1912 Brumley, due to the series of events instigated by the Birling family and their associates. Although all of the characters in ‘An Inspector Calls’ played a part in the suicide of the soon to be mother Eva Smith, the three that are subject to greater blame are: Arthur Birling, Eric Birling, and Gerald Croft, due to what they have done and what they have said. Arthur Birling is the first suspect, although not the guiltiest character in the play. Eric Birling is

Eric played one of the most appalling roles in the chain of events, by taking advantage of Eva Smith whilst in a drunken state after leaving the Palace Bar one november night. Not only did his actions that night destroy any dignity Eva Smith felt she had left, but also led her pregnancy and the worries that came with it. “I’m not very clear about it, but afterwards she told me she didn’t want me to go in but that - well, I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty - and I threatened to make a row” (page 51). His was in a drunken state, due to being upper-class and considerably selfish; and he definitely did not care about Eva Smith as he saw her as beneath him, due to her being lower-class. After the Inspector left, those present began blaming Eric for Eva’s death, Eric shouted to the whole family, “And I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her- and that’s what matters” (page 65). He did this as he accepted his guilt, knowing that Eva was pregnant with his child, who refused to accept any money he gave her so she could live comfortably, after finding out the money was stolen. Consequently, Eric Birling is not the worst offender due to him accepting his guilt and attempting to help