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In my analysis, the death of Eva Smith is a consequence of the collective actions of all five characters interrogated by Inspector Goole—Arthur Birling, Sheila Birling, Sybil Birling, Eric Birling, and Gerald Croft. While each played a distinct role, it's crucial to recognize that the tragedy unfolded as a result of their cumulative impact, pushing the girl towards the tragic end of suicide.
The first character under scrutiny is Arthur Birling, a prominent figure in the community and a stereotypical representation of upper-class arrogance.
His disdain for the lower class becomes evident when he refuses to increase wages for workers, leading to a strike. The subsequent dismissal of Eva Smith, one of the ringleaders, showcases his callous approach. He justifies his actions by claiming it's his duty to keep labor costs down.
Arthur attempts to deflect responsibility by emphasizing the necessity of curbing demands, stating, "If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be asking the earth." Initially, he distances himself from any culpability, citing the events as having occurred nearly two years ago, and portrays himself as merely fulfilling his duties.
Delving deeper into Arthur Birling's mindset, we observe his defensive mechanisms.
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He adamantly denies any connection between the termination of Eva Smith's employment and her subsequent suicide. His self-defense becomes more apparent as he dismisses the inspector's line of inquiry as non-scandalous and irrelevant to the girl's death.
Moreover, Arthur strategically changes the subject by inquiring about the inspector's relationship with the chief constable, attempting to intimidate and assert his influence.
This defensive strategy underscores his reluctance to accept any responsibility for Eva's fate, reflecting a prioritization of personal reputation over ethical considerations.
While Arthur Birling is implicated in Eva Smith's tragedy, it's essential to consider the extent of his responsibility. Given that nearly two years had passed since the termination, questions arise about the direct causation between his actions and Eva's suicide. The argument is made that Eva, being a skilled worker, should have easily found alternative employment after her dismissal.
This perspective suggests that Arthur Birling, while contributing to the chain of events, may have played a minor role in the overall tragedy. However, this doesn't absolve him of moral scrutiny, as the interconnectedness of the characters' actions becomes evident in the subsequent examination of their roles.
The lack of remorse on Arthur Birling's part is a significant aspect of his character. Despite the acknowledgment of Eva's suicide, he steadfastly maintains his view that he bears no responsibility. His justification—expressed in the statement, "If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we'd had anything to do with, it would be very awkward, wouldn't it?"—reflects a refusal to engage in self-reflection and accept culpability.
This lack of remorse underlines Arthur's unwavering belief in the righteousness of his actions, further contributing to the portrayal of him as a character unwilling to confront the consequences of his decisions on others.
While Arthur Birling's role is dissected individually, it's crucial to recognize that the interconnected actions of each character played a role in the girl's downward spiral towards suicide. By examining the characters collectively, it can be noted that Eva Smith's fate was not solely the result of one character's actions. Instead, it was the amalgamation of their behaviors, attitudes, and decisions that ultimately led to the tragic end.
In conclusion, the analysis of Arthur Birling's role in Eva Smith's death serves as a microcosm of the broader examination of collective responsibility. The characters, including Arthur Birling, are portrayed as pieces of a puzzle, each contributing to the tragic outcome. As we scrutinize their individual actions, it becomes evident that the death of Eva Smith is a result of a web of interconnected choices and behaviors.
The Collective Responsibility in Eva Smith's Tragedy. (2020, Jun 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/death-eva-smith-2-7734-new-essay
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