"I’d give thousands – yes, thousands."

• Analysis

  Birling’s hollow offer of "thousands" to restore Eva’s life is a performative display of regret, undermined by his immediate indifference upon learning the Inspector isn’t real. This juxtaposition illustrates the insincerity of capitalists’ supposed generosity, as his offer lacks genuine moral conviction. The repetition of "thousands" emphasizes his wealth and power, which he flaunts without any intention of using it for meaningful social change.
• Alternative interpretation

  Birling’s statement can also be interpreted as a symbolic representation of capitalism’s tendency to perform remorse or charity when under scrutiny, only to abandon such pretenses when accountability diminishes. His lack of follow-through reinforces Priestley’s critique of capitalist self-interest and moral vacuity.
• Themes 


  Hypocrisy, Moral corruption, and the Disparity between appearance and reality: Priestley highlights how the capitalist elite feign generosity to maintain power and influence while failing to address systemic inequalities.
• Writers intention 


  Priestley uses Birling’s hollow offer to critique the insincerity of capitalist philanthropy. By exposing Birling’s immediate withdrawal of compassion, Priestley underscores the superficiality of capitalist morality and advocates for systemic change toward genuine societal care and equality.