Exploitation

• What is exploitation?

  Exploitation is treating something unfairly to benefit from it.
• How does exploitation often occur?

  It often involves taking advantage of weakness or trust.
• Who is exploited in the play?

  Eva Smith is exploited by individuals and the system of Capitalism.
• What themes are linked to exploitation in the play?

  Exploitation links to social class, Capitalism vs. Socialism, and gender.
• Why is Eva vulnerable?

  She is vulnerable because she is a working-class woman.
• What does Priestley suggest about the Capitalist economy?

  It preys on the vulnerability of working-class women to make profits.
• How does Priestley view the British economy in the twentieth century?

  He suggests it relied on the exploitation of those at the bottom of the hierarchy.
• How do the Birlings exploit Eva?

  Each member of the Birling family exploits Eva in different ways.
• What forms of exploitation do the Birlings use against Eva?

  • Mr Birling exploited her for cheap labour.
  • Sheila exploited her status to get Eva fired.
  • Gerald and Eric exploited her for sex.
  • Mrs Birling exploited her influence to deny her charity.
• What does Mr Birling's business practices represent?

  They represent Capitalism's exploitation of the working class.
• What is Mr Birling's business motto?

  His motto is to work for lower costs and higher prices.
• How does Mr Birling view his workers?

  He reduces them to a simple cost and does not see them as individuals.
• What does the phrase "keep changing" imply about Mr Birling's workers?

  It implies he does not value them as individuals and hires new staff frequently.
• How does Priestley portray the treatment of working-class women?

  He indicates they were the most targeted by Capitalist endeavors.
• What is Gerald's moral standing in relation to Eva?

  His actions are questionable as he exploits her vulnerability.
• How does Gerald view Eva's worth?

  He views her worth based on her attractiveness.
• What does Gerald's ultimatum to Eva imply?

  It implies she must rely on him for her safety and well-being.
• How does Priestley illustrate the dependency in Gerald and Eva's relationship?

  He shows that Eva feels she owes Gerald for his help.
• What does the term "Fairy Prince" suggest about Gerald's role?

  It suggests he enjoys the power of being her savior.
• How does Eric's relationship with Eva differ from Gerald's?

  Eric's relationship is more one-sided and objectifying.
• What does the Inspector say about Eric's treatment of Eva?

  He says Eric used her for his own pleasure, like an animal.
• How does Priestley depict the consequences of exploitation for Eva?

  He shows that exploitation causes long-lasting trauma and damage for her.
• What does the Inspector imply about Capitalist companies and poverty?

  He implies they actively seek out poverty to exploit for cheap labor.
• How does Priestley view the relationship between wealth and poverty?

  He suggests one person's wealth is dependent on another's suffering.
• What does Priestley accuse factories and warehouses of doing?

  He accuses them of perpetuating the cycle of poverty for cheap labor.
• How do Gerald and Eric represent societal issues in the play?

  • They normalize and encourage the exploitation of women.
  • Their behavior reflects a culture of aggressive masculinity.
  • They exploit their dominance in a patriarchal society.
• How does Gerald view his relationship with Eva?

  He sees it as an opportunity rather than a genuine connection.