Capitalism vs Socialism

• Context

  • 1912- liberal party
  • Laissez-faire
  • 1945- Labour Party- socialist values and proposal
  • Political change and turmoil
  • debate is focused on interactions of Mr Birling and Inspector
• Mr Birling embodiment of capitalism

  Selfish qualities:

  > Discouraged people looking out for each other

  "A man has to make his own way"

  > firm belief of individualism and self reliance

  > Familial responsibilities come second to personal success

  " I can't accept responsibility" - narcissism

  > Foreshadowing- generational divide

  > Dramatic Irony- aware of inspectors purpose, refusing responsibility has significant consequences

  "Hard headed" "businessman"

  > capitalists confident in their economy- unaware of its falling

  "Titanic is unsinkable"
• Mr Birling and capitalist greed

  > Symbol of new money

  "Capitalist vs labour agitations"

  > Capitalism is built on vice and suffering of others

  Sheila's engagement dinner

  > "brought us together" - business negotiations take advantage of a monumental event for his own benefits

  > Capitalism is self-absorbed amoral system

  > Ability to make money defines a person
• Illusion of respectability 


  > Mrs Birling's charitable work is revealed to be a facade when she denies helping Eva Smith

  "I had done no more than my duty"

  > Character insight- entitled mindset, exposes hypocrisy and callousness of the upperclass towards working class
• Inspector: Everything and everyone is connected

  "chain of events"

  > "Chain" capitalist oblivious to consequences of their actions

  > Metaphor- linked in more than money + Property

  > Socialism is not just an economical system but can be applies to all aspects of life

  "We have to share something" " Share out guilt"

  > Allusion to state post war- socialism is the solution
• Parting monologue

  "we are members of one body"

  > Semantic field of connection advocates for equality and community

  > metaphor nothing happens in isolation

  "They will be taught in fire, blood and anguish"

  Semantic field of conflict- result of choosing capitalism
• Mr Birling Vs Inspector

  Mr B: "heavy looking" - manifestation of his dominance - symbolises dominance in capitalist society

  Inspector: "Creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness"

  > Implies he's in control

  > Reserved manner tests Mr B's patience
• Like bees In a hive

  > Simile

  > Priestley promotes political stance to achieve a fairer, equal society

  > Symbolism- advocates a class that works together for a common goal

  > Bees- mirror z socialist society where It is equal access to opportunities

  > Exploration of utopian ways- inspires effort to improve existing society

  > Class can't be radicalised