Summary
Highlights
Edna, despite having fewer than 30 words of dialogue, is a significant character in 'An Inspector Calls.' While unlikely to be the subject of a direct exam question, she offers valuable insight into themes like class and can be analyzed through her interactions with characters like Mr. and Mrs. Birling. Priestley uses Edna to represent the mistreatment of the working class.
Edna plays a crucial role by announcing, "an inspector’s called" and leading Inspector Goole into the dining room. More subtly, she changes the lighting from 'pink and intimate' to 'brighter and harder', symbolizing the Inspector's role in exposing the truth and challenging the Birlings' privileged perspective. This suggests Priestley's idea that the working class will bring truth to the middle and upper classes, much like Eva Smith’s story challenges the Birlings.
The Birlings' dismissive language towards Edna, such as Mr. Birling's blunt imperatives, showcases their lack of politeness and expectation of instant obedience. This treatment highlights the pressure on working-class women to obey middle-class employers, even under unfair conditions. Priestley's inclusion of a maid in 1945, when her presence on stage would seem old-fashioned, reminds the audience of the outdated practice of exploiting working-class people for low wages and long hours.
Edna's tasks are menial and could be done by the Birlings themselves, yet she is expected to stay up late, demonstrating the Birlings' disregard for her well-being. Unlike Eva, Edna has no one to speak up for her, symbolizing the working poor's lack of agency in 1912. Her silence also reflects the precarious position of employees before the strengthening of unions, making it difficult for her to leave or seek references without repercussions. Priestley uses Edna to highlight how, even when paid, the poor are often exploited.