Capitalism vs socialism

• What is one of Priestley’s main intentions in writing ‘An Inspector Calls’?

  The theme of capitalism vs socialism
• How does Priestley view capitalism in 'An Inspector Calls'?

  He condemns capitalism and promotes socialist ideals
• What do the Birlings represent in the play?

  The prospering capitalists in society
• What role does the Inspector play in the narrative?

  He acts as Priestley’s socialist mouthpiece
• What does the play suggest about the relationship between capitalism and socialism?

  Capitalism will eventually fall to socialism
• What is capitalism defined as?

  An economic system where factors of production are owned by private groups or individuals
• What is one motto associated with capitalism?

  “Greed is good”
• How are individuals rewarded in a capitalist society?

  According to their wealth, not contribution
• What is socialism defined as?

  A system where factors of production are owned equally by everyone in society
• What does socialism prioritize in terms of resource use?

  The usefulness of resources to people
• What services would a socialist government provide?

  Education and health care
• What was socialism initially designed to do in the nineteenth century?

  Improve the standard of living for the working class
• How does socialism ensure care for those who can't contribute?

  By providing support for the elderly and others in need
• What political party was in power in Britain in 1912?

  The Liberal Party
• What economic approach did the Liberal Party support?

  Laissez-faire economics
• What was the outcome of the 1945 General Election in Britain?

  The Labour Party was elected by a landslide
• What did the Labour Party's manifesto include?

  Many Socialist values and proposals
• What did the country desire after two World Wars?

  Social reform and recovery
• How does Priestley use Mr Birling in the play?

  As an archetype of a Capitalist businessman
• What qualities does Mr Birling embody?

  Greedy, money-driven, and selfish
• What does Mr Birling symbolize in the context of capitalism?

  A self-made man who reflects 'New Money'
• How does Priestley encourage the audience to view Mr Birling?

  Through a Socialist lens
• What does Mr Birling's statement about the future imply?

  That society is unstable and divided between capital and labor
• How does Priestley portray Capitalist greed through Mr Birling's dialogue?

  By showing his focus on business and profit
• What does Mr Birling's proposal to work with Crofts Limited suggest?

  He views marriage as a business negotiation
• What does the phrase “for lower costs and higher prices” represent?

  The ultimate goal of all Capitalists
• How does Mr Birling view the interests of Capital?

  As synonymous with his own interests
• What does Priestley suggest about Capitalism's impact on individuals?

  It reduces individuals to their ability to make money
• How does Mr Birling describe himself in the play?

  As “hard-headed,” “practical,” and a “businessman”
• What does the metaphor of the Titanic represent in the play?

  The arrogance and overconfidence of Capitalism
• What does Mr Birling's admiration for the Titanic symbolize?

  Capitalism’s desire for domination and success
• What fatal flaw does Priestley highlight about capitalism through the Titanic metaphor?

  That it is not “unsinkable” and has inherent flaws
• What does Mr Birling's mantra about self-reliance imply about Capitalism?

  It discourages people from looking after one another
• How does Mr Birling's refusal to accept responsibility reflect Capitalist values?

  It shows a lack of compassion for others
• What does Mr Birling prioritize over the welfare of his workers?

  His own self-preservation and comfort
• How does Mr Birling justify his refusal to raise wages?

  By stating it would increase labor costs significantly
• How does Mr Birling view workers in the context of competition?

  As statistics rather than individuals with needs
• What does Mr Birling's statement about Eva Smith reveal about his character?

  He refuses to consider his influence on others' lives
• How does competition affect Mr Birling's decisions regarding wages?

  It prevents him from making allowances for others
• What does Mr Birling's focus on profit margins indicate about Capitalism?

  It prioritizes profit over human welfare