Who is most responsible for the death of Eva Smith.

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MITHUN CHANDARANA 11MC

ENGLISH ESSAY- WHEN AN INSPECTOR CALLS

The play is set in a midlands industrial town. Arthur Birling a rich factory owner employs young working class girls as 'cheap labour.' A year earlier he had sacked one of the girls for striking for higher wages. Each family member of the Birling family has played some part in the girl's death. My thesis is that the one most responsible is Eric but Mrs Birling share equal blame and on these characters I shall concentrate.

'A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself, still I can't accept any responsibility.' Mr Birling is arrogant, outspoken and very selfish. He cannot see that his actions to Eva smith were wrong and he does not change his view throughout the play. Mr and Mrs Birling see themselves as upholders of all the right values but both exposed self centred and essentially heartless. 'If we were responsible for everything that happened to everybody it would be very awkward'

We get the felling that if the event were to be repeated he would still feel justified in the girl. After the inspector has, he cannot understand Sheila and Eric insistence that there is something to be learned all he is concerned about y scandal has been avoided.
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Sheila right from the beginning of the inspector's story she expresses sadness and regret at Eva's story. She first to admit her responsibility in loving the girl "it's the only time I've ever done anything like that, I'll never, never do this again to any body." Sheila appears changed by the incident. She and Brother Eric are the only characters who give us any cause or optimism. Sheila lacks the cold blooded attitude of her parents and during the play she sees her father exposed as a hard hearted employer, her fiancé is a liar is a father ...

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