How far is Sheila Birling to blame for the death of Eva

To what extent can Sheila Birling be held responsible for the death of Eva Smith?

J.B Priestley wrote ‘An Inspector Calls’ in 1945, however, the play was set in 1912. Priestley’s main aim in writing this play was to warn the government of the consequences of not making social changes that natural justice demanded. Priestley had fought in the First World War. In 1918, when the war was over, Lloyd George had promised the soldiers that they would return to a ‘fit country for heroes to live in.’ Instead, they returned to a country in turmoil. England had an abundance of unemployment, recession, strikes and hunger marches. In this play, he reminds the government of the dreadful situation after the First World War. He attempts to ensure that the new Labour government did not allow the country to slip in to the same plight after the Second World War.

People were expected to know their place in society and adhere to it and those in power frowned upon moving from one section of the class system to another.In the play itself the main family, the 'Birlings' are wealthy middle class landowners and proprietors of a large factory that was established by the father of Mr. Bi

Some historical background and events to be acknowledged to the play are the maiden voyage of the Titanic whose imminent departure is mentioned in the play; Captain Scott’s failure to reach the South Pole first and the developing Suffrage movement campaigning for women’s rights. Turbulence within society was developing as coal miners and others in society were striking for better pay and conditions. Unrest was beginning in Russia, (mentioned in the play), and trade unions were beginning to gain some power in society. Alongside advances in technology, (electric lighting in homes and cinema), motor transport for the rich, were highlighting inequalities in society. Cars were owned by those rich enough to do so and no help was forthcoming for the poor. There was no DHS or NHS and life expectancy was around forty-six years.

The above extract shows her mother telling her to get used to her fiancé spending most of his time on his business. Sheila simply disapproved of this and made both her parents and future husband aware of this. The fact that she did this shows that she has a strong character. A child would very rarely rebuff their parents in any manner. The fact that Sheila even hinted that women should not be inferior to men shows her single mindedness. Sheila is also selfish and self-centred. The reason why I say this is due to her actions in Milwards. Sheila tried on a dress, but found it did not suit her. The pretty shop assistant, whom the dress probably would have suited, smiled. Sheila complained to the manager, saying that the girl had been ‘impertinent’ and she was thus sacked. I feel that this incident clearly shows Sheila’s selfishness and lack of consideration for others. She used her authority to get what she wanted. The fact that she had to get her own way shows how indulged she is. Her over reaction to the situation emphasises her immaturity. Her egotistical personality is displayed by her jealousy of Eva. Sheila could not digest the fact that Eva would have looked better than her in that dress. Sheila did not consider the consequences of her actions. She only cared about herself. If it was just a spur of the moment reach on, then the least she could have done is to go back the following day and convince the manager to hire Eva back. The fact that this thought probably didn’t even cross her mind reinforces how self-centred Sheila is.

In conclusion, it would be unfair to blame a person in some capacity, as each character contributed to the death of Eva Smith. There are many different factors involved in her death. Each one pushed Eva Smith a little closer to suicide but no one person was solely responsible for her death. I feel that it is Sheila who is the most responsible. However, it may be wiser to blame society, as it is Eva Smith’s class that set her apart. No real crime has been committed. It is not just the family that should share a moral responsibility, but society in general. It is certainly possible that Priestly wanted to indicate that Sheila was a major cause of Eva’s tragic end, but it is important to try and understand his intention of her whole role within the play. Priestly clearly outlines her developing sensibility, understanding and stature. She understands and develops a meaningful way forward for middle class girls. We are left with the feeling she would be far more considerate when undertaking charity work and we can begin to understand that she might well take her place in the Suffrage movement. She was part, a big part of the problem but she is also a developing part in finding a solution.

Some topics in this essay:
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