capitalism vs socialism

• "You said yourself she was a good worker" - Eric 


  Implying that she should be financially rewarding for her work.
• "a man has to mind his own business and look after himself" - Mr B


  Here Mr Birling speaks in the third person in an attempt to create a philosophical element to his speech.
• "its my duty to keep labour costs down" - Mr B 


  Priestley uses the noun "duty" to emphasise Mr Birling's dedication to capitalism and profit.
• "probably a socialist or some sort of crank" - Mr B


  The noun "crank" is an attempt by mr birding to condemn socialism, however, Priestley's use of dramatic irony causes the audience to oppose Mr Birling's views and therefore sympathise with socialists.
• "pretty?" - Sheila 


  Here, it can be inferred that Sheila's grief was greater due to Eva being pretty. This demonstrates Sheila's warped view of the world, as the value of someone's life depends on their outward beauty.