Capitalism vs socialism

• What was one of Priestley’s main intentions with writing ‘An Inspector Calls’?

  The theme of capitalism vs socialism
• What political ideology did Priestley identify with?

  Socialism
• How does Priestley contrast Britain’s political system in his writing?

  He contrasts socialism with capitalism, highlighting Britain's capitalist nature.
• Who do the Birlings represent in the play?

  The prospering capitalists in society
• What role does the Inspector play in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

  He acts as Priestley’s socialist mouthpiece.
• What does the play illustrate about capitalism and socialism?

  It illustrates capitalism’s eventual fall to socialism.
• How does Priestley view socialism in comparison to capitalism?

  He suggests socialism is the superior, more beneficial, and more powerful political system.
• What is capitalism defined as?

  An economic system where the factors of production are owned and controlled by private groups or individuals.
• What is one motto of capitalism?

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

  According to their wealth, not contribution.
• How is socialism defined?

  Where the factors of production are owned equally by everyone in society.
• What services would a socialist government provide?

  Services such as education and health care.
• What was socialism initially designed to improve?

  The standard of living for the working class.
• Why is poverty not possible in an ideal socialist society?

  Because everyone has equal access to profits and resources.
• Which political party was in power in Britain in 1912?

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

  Laissez-faire economics.
• Which party was elected into government in the 1945 General Election?

  The Labour Party.
• What was one of the greatest demands in Britain after the World Wars?

  A Welfare State.
• What does Priestley focus on in the interactions between Mr Birling and the Inspector?

  The debate between capitalism and socialism.
• What archetype does Mr Birling represent?

  The archetype of a capitalist businessman.
• How is Mr Birling characterized in the play?

  He is greedy, money-driven, and selfish.
• What does Mr Birling symbolize in the context of capitalism?

  A self-made man who has made a great fortune for himself and his family.
• How does Priestley encourage the audience to view Mr Birling?

  Through a socialist lens, highlighting the suffering caused by capitalism.
• What does Mr Birling predict about the future in relation to capitalism and labour?

  He believes they will live in a world that has forgotten about capital versus labour agitations.
• What does Priestley suggest about society's structure during Mr Birling's time?

  It revolved around the conflict between those who controlled capital and those who provided labour.
• How does Priestley use Mr Birling to portray capitalist greed?

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

  He views life through the context of business and sees marriage as a business negotiation.
• What does the phrase “for lower costs and higher prices” represent in capitalism?

  It emphasizes how money and profit motivate everything in society.
• What does Mr Birling’s ideal future entail?

  A future where capitalism thrives and profits are protected.
• How does Priestley characterize capitalism through Mr Birling?

  As a self-absorbed, amoral system where an individual’s purpose is reduced to making money.
• What does Mr Birling’s description of himself reveal about his character?

  It reveals his arrogance and self-assuredness.
• What aspect of capitalism does Priestley aim to expose through Mr Birling?

  How it discourages people from looking after one another.
• How does Priestley use the metaphor of the Titanic in relation to capitalism?

  To illustrate the economic system's fatal flaws and overconfidence.
• What mantra does Mr Birling repeat that reflects capitalist ideology?

  “A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself.”
• What does Mr Birling’s refusal to take responsibility suggest about capitalism?

  It encourages narcissism and carelessness.
• How does Mr Birling prioritize his own interests?

  He cares more about self-preservation and comfort than the lives of others.
• How does Mr Birling justify his refusal to raise wages?

  By stating that it would add about twelve percent to their labour costs.
• How does Priestley depict workers in a capitalist system?

  As statistics, not viewed as individuals with needs and feelings.
• What role does the Inspector play as a catalyst for change in the play?

  He challenges the characters' moral responsibility and prompts them to reflect on their actions.
• What is the significance of the Inspector's final speech?

  It emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and collective welfare.