Theme - Capitalism V. Socialism

• Capitalism

  • Priestley, a socialist, criticises capitalist values
  • Mr Birling represents selfish, capitalist values
  • The Inspector promotes more socialist views of community and shared social responsibility
  • The play argues that capitalism perpetuates social inequality
• Capitalism quotes - pro-capitalism


  • "it's my duty to keep labour costs down"
  • Mr Birling, Act 1
  • "working together for lower costs and higher prices"
  • Mr Birling, Act 1
• Capitalism quotes - anti-capitalism


  • We don't live alone. We are members of one body."
  • The Inspector, Act 3
  • "these girls aren't cheap labour, they're people."
  • Sheila, Act 1
  • "why shouldn't they try for higher wages?"
  • Eric, Act 1
  • "it's better to ask for the Earth than to take it"
  • The Inspector, Act 1