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Theme Of Who Was To Blame For Eva Smith's Death In An Inspector Calls

673 Words3 Pages

In ‘An Inspector Calls’ the theme of blame and responsibility is explored. The characters conflict with each other as to who was to blame for Eva Smith’s death. Some characters believe that they were fully to blame, and others believe that they are innocent. This is a useful theme as we can compare two characters specifically and how they conflict and change throughout the play. The characters in question are Arthur Birling and Sheila Birling; father and daughter.

The plot of the play is as follows; The Birling family are celebrating the engagement of Sheila and Gerald. An inspector turns up at their door and disrupts the whole party. He accuses them all of participating in the suicide of Eva Smith. He eventually makes each character confess …show more content…

Each character had a part to play in the suicide of this so-called Eva Smith. Mr Birling owns a company, and he had employed Eva Smith. She asked him for a higher wage and encouraged everyone to take a strike, but this ended up in him firing her. Losing a job could mean a lot to a working class person like Eva Smith. Mr Birling refuses to take responsibility for his actions, “Still, I can’t accept any responsibility” , and begins to argue that she shouldn’t have asked for higher wages. This is the first sign that Mr Birling has not warmed to the fact that he played a part in this poor girl’s suicide.

Sheila, is different however. Eva Smith had then found work at Milwards -after being sacked from Birling & Co- and she had been there for two weeks or so. Sheila was shopping with her mother whilst Eva was working. As Sheila was trying on a dress, Eva Smith gave a little smile, leading Sheila to think that this girl was mocking her. This then lead to Eva Smith being let go of her duties at Milwards. If we look at Sheila’s reaction to this information, we find that there is a distinct difference in the way she acts, compared to her …show more content…

Don’t you understand? And if I could help her now, I would”

Sheila is very honest and understanding about the situation unlike Mr Birling, and she admits to her jealousy of Eva Smith. Sheila also apologises and realises her mistake, and says she would help her if she could, even though she is dead. This gives us an idea of the character Sheila

As the play comes to an end, we see the same conflict arise again between the two characters. The inspector leaves the Birling household, and once he has, Mr Birling and Gerald come to a conclusion that they had been had and that there was no suicide. Mr Birling, along with his wife and Gerald celebrate with glee. But Eric and Sheila cannot get over the information that has been let out. Mr Birling’s opinion has not

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