capitalism vs socialism

• What is one of Priestley’s main intentions in 'An Inspector Calls'?

  Capitalism vs. socialism
• How does Priestley view capitalism in 'An Inspector Calls'?

  He condemns capitalism and promotes socialism
• Who do the Birlings represent in society?

  The prospering capitalists
• What role does the Inspector play in the play?

  He acts as Priestley’s socialist mouthpiece
• What does the play suggest about capitalism's future?

  It will eventually fall to socialism
• What is capitalism defined as?

  An economic system with private ownership
• What do individuals own in a capitalist system?

  Their labor and companies
• What is one motto of capitalism?

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

  According to their wealth, not contribution
• What is socialism defined as?

  Ownership of production by everyone equally
• What does socialism prioritize in resource use?

  The usefulness to people
• What services would a socialist government provide?

  Education and health care
• How does socialism care for those who can't contribute?

  It ensures they are still cared for
• What was socialism designed to improve?

  The standard of living for the working class
• What does an ideal socialist society eliminate?

  Poverty and exploitation
• Which political party was in power in Britain in 1912?

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

  Laissez-faire economics
• What party was elected in the 1945 General Election?

  The Labour Party
• What did the Labour Party's manifesto include?

  Many socialist values and proposals
• What caused the shift from Conservative to Labour in 1945?

  The desire for social reform after wars
• What was one of the greatest demands after the World Wars?

  A Welfare State
• How does Priestley depict Mr Birling?

  As an archetype of a capitalist businessman
• What does Mr Birling's character reflect about capitalism?

  Greed and selfishness in business
• What does Mr Birling symbolize in the play?

  ‘New Money’ and self-made wealth
• How does Priestley encourage the audience to view Mr Birling?

  Through a socialist lens
• What does Mr Birling's statement about the future imply?

  Society is unstable and divided
• What does Mr Birling's view of life focus on?

  The context of business and profit
• What does Mr Birling propose to Gerald about their businesses?

  To work together for lower costs
• What does the phrase “for lower costs and higher prices” represent?

  The ultimate goal of all capitalists
• How does Mr Birling view the interests of capital?

  As aligned with his own interests
• What does Priestley suggest about capitalism's nature?

  It is self-absorbed and amoral
• How does Mr Birling describe himself?

  As “hard-headed,” “practical,” and a “businessman”
• What does Priestley convey about capitalists' confidence?

  They are unaware of their economy's failings
• What metaphor does Priestley use to illustrate capitalism's flaws?

  The Titanic as a symbol of capitalism's success
• What does Mr Birling admire about the Titanic?

  Its size and power
• What does Priestley suggest about the Titanic's fate?

  It symbolizes capitalism's fatal flaws
• What does Mr Birling's mantra about self-reliance imply?

  Capitalism discourages looking after one another
• What does Mr Birling refuse to accept?

  Any responsibility for others
• How does Mr Birling respond to the Inspector's comments about Eva?

  He deflects responsibility for her situation
• What does Priestley suggest about the employer-employee relationship?

  It is not mutual and lacks responsibility