How does J.B. Priestley use Eva Smith/ Daisy Renton as a dramatic device in An Inspector calls?

The fact her death was a suicide makes the play intriguing and we see her in a very different way than if she was still alive, she instantly becomes an embodiment of weakness and we show unconditional sympathy towards her. It also magnifies the significance of the family and Croft’s actions and we view them as responsible for her death instead of herself. It also shakes the Birlings and Gerald up and through shock they confess to what they did.

Throughout the course of the evening we learn of the way each individual treated the woman and this seemingly respectable family is shown in an unexpected way. We uncover hidden problems and see the 7 deadly sins portrayed by this family. This means the play could be interpreted as a modern take on a morality play as all have committed evil and have seen it within themselves, now they are faced with the question of what to do next. Greed is seen in Mr. Birling as he fires Eva Smith over a small amount of money; therefore the question posed to him is will he repeat this in future. Pride is represented by Mrs. Birling who is annoyed at ES/DR for using her name in what she perceives as a spiteful manner; she thinks the girl is unworthy of a name like hers’ and so she wonders to herself whether she should be more kind and not worry about other peoples opinions.  Sheila is envy and wrath as she is angry with Miss Daisy Renton for laughing at her and jealous as the young girl is naturally more attractive than her, if she continues this way it will lead to self destruction and she will never be content. Gerald symbolises lust, even though in a committed relationship with Sheila he engages in another relationship with Daisy, his is possibly the lesser crime though as DR actually receives some pleasure out of it for sometime. Eric depicts gluttony and sloth; he is an alcoholic and drinks too much. Instead of working he steals money from his father to give to ES/DR, so in the future will he quit his addiction and start working harder? All the questions posed can be applied to us.

ES/DR gives each character a wake-up call she shows them the error of their ways and gives them the opportunity to reform. She seems to be a universal character. Her name Eva Smith, is composed very cleverly as Eve was the first woman and Smith is a very common name. She is a girl who represents innocence and has been treated in the same manner the world at that time behaved. This makes us question our own beliefs. Is anyone of us innocent or are we all to blame for how the world is today? Each and every one of us makes decisions which will impact the lives of others for better and for worse. We should take away from this play a life lesson, to treat others with the respect and kindness we wish to be treated with.