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Edna is a side character who appears in An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley. Set in 1912, the play magnifies the issues surrounding Capitalism, which were prominent during the early 1900s.

Serving as a maid to the Birlings, Edna has significant parallels to Eva Smith, due to her lower class status and almost unnoticed presence. Although Eva Smith is written for the main focus of our attention, Edna is a reminder of the Birling family's wealth and ignorance towards the poor. This is highlighted the lack of recognition towards Edna's character during the play. In addition to this, within the little stage-time her character has, Arthur Birling's treatment of her is somewhat akin to that of Eva Smith. During Act One Scene One, Birling commands Edna to; "Give us the port, Edna. That's right!" The patronising tone immediately undermines her status. Additionally, the fact that Birling calls Edna by her Christian name almost imitates the way in which the Birlings perceive Eva Smith. Moreover, Eva Smith is described by Arthur Birling as a; "Wretched girl," which assimilates to the lack of respect which Edna receives. Therefore, Edna as a side character gives the audience further insight into the ignorance of the Birling family, and the fate of Eva Smith.