Capitalism vs Socialism

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Created by
Aimee

Cards (8)

  • 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