Wealth and materialism

• What is one of the main interests of the Birlings in "An Inspector Calls"?

  Wealth
• How does Mr Birling's attitude towards wages reflect his character?

  He prioritizes profit over his workers' welfare
• What does Sheila's enjoyment of shopping in upmarket shops indicate about her character?

  It shows her wealth and materialistic tendencies
• Who does Gerald financially support while she is his mistress?

  Eva
• What does Eric's action of stealing money signify about his character?

  It reflects his desperation and moral conflict
• What does Mrs Birling refuse to do for Eva?

  Give her money
• How does wealth affect the Birlings' perception of the poor?

  It gives them power and makes them forget the humanity of the poor
• What does Priestley suggest about the relationship between wealth and society?

  Wealth corrupts individuals and society
• What does Priestley mean by materialism in the context of the play?

  Believing money and possessions are the most important aspects of life
• How does the Capitalist class system affect people's values according to Priestley?

  It leads them to seek material possessions as symbols of worth
• What does Priestley imply about the emotional intelligence of wealthy individuals?

  They lack emotional and moral intelligence
• How does Priestley depict the dehumanization of the lower classes?

  They are objectified and seen as less than human due to their poverty
• What historical context influenced Priestley's writing of the play?

  The aftermath of two World Wars and the Great Depression
• What message does Priestley convey about the reliance on money?

  It is dangerous and can lead to moral decay
• How do the Birlings' surroundings reflect their wealth?

  • They live in a large suburban house
  • The house has good solid furniture
  • They possess champagne glasses and a cigar box
• What does the setting of the Birlings' home suggest about their lifestyle?

  It represents upper-class materialism
• How does Priestley use the setting to convey the theme of wealth?

  The luxury of the setting becomes more grotesque as the play progresses
• What does the continuity of the setting reveal about the elder Birlings?

  They refuse to learn or change their ways
• How does the Inspector's role affect the Birlings' perception of their actions?

  He reveals their greed and its consequences on Eva's life
• What does Sheila's reaction to her engagement ring signify?

  She values the material possession over the emotional connection
• How does Mr Birling's refusal to raise wages illustrate his character?

  It shows his greed and lack of empathy for workers
• What does the metaphor of "price" imply in the context of the play?

  It highlights the economic consequences of greed
• How do the upper-class men respond to Eva's poverty?

  They offer her money
• What does Priestley suggest about the impact of capitalism on human relationships?

  It reduces people to objects that can be bought
• What lesson does Priestley want his audience to learn regarding wealth and emotional connection?

  To value emotional connection over material wealth