wealth and materialism

• Wealth is a central theme in "An Inspector Calls," influencing the Birlings' interactions and power dynamics within the family
• The Birlings' wealth gives them power over others, leading them to forget the humanity of the poor
• Priestley uses the Inspector to challenge the characters and audience's attitudes towards social classes
• In the play, Priestley suggests that wealth corrupts individuals and society, leading to materialism and greed
• Wealth in a Capitalist system symbolizes power and success, driving individuals to seek material possessions as a measure of their worth in society
• Priestley highlights how those at the bottom of the social hierarchy are dehumanized and objectified due to wealth disparities
• The play reflects post-war economic struggles, emphasizing the dangers of relying too heavily on money and promoting values of love and friendship over wealth
• The setting of the play, the Birlings' home, symbolizes upper-class materialism and the negative impact of wealth on emotional connections
• Sheila's excitement over her engagement ring highlights the societal emphasis on material possessions over emotional connections
• Priestley critiques Mr. Birling's focus on wealth, showing how greed blinds individuals to others' needs and humanity
• Priestley suggests that the rich in the play believe money can solve all problems, reducing the lower classes to objects that can be helped with money
• Through the characters' interactions with Eva Smith, Priestley illustrates how capitalism devalues emotional connections and promotes materialism