Theme - Wealth and Materialism

• What is one of the main interests of the Birlings in the play?

  Wealth
• How does Mr Birling's attitude towards wages reflect his character?

  He prioritizes profit over the welfare of his workers
• Who is described as a wealthy customer that enjoys shopping in upmarket shops?

  Sheila
• What does Gerald do for Eva while she is his mistress?

  He uses money to support her
• What illegal action does Eric commit?

  He steals money
• How does Mrs Birling respond to Eva's request for help?

  She refuses to give her money
• What effect does wealth have on the Birlings' interactions with others?

  It gives them power over others and makes them forget the humanity of the poor
• How does Priestley use the Inspector in the play?

  To change how characters and the audience feel about the lower classes
• What does Priestley suggest about wealth and society?

  Wealth corrupts people and society as a whole
• What does materialism refer to in the context of the play?

  Believing money, material possessions, and physical comfort are the most important things in life
• How does capitalism affect people's perception of their worth in society?

  People seek material possessions and money as symbols of their worth
• What does Priestley imply about emotional and moral intelligence in a capitalist society?

  People lack emotional and moral intelligence and cannot connect with others
• How are those at the bottom of the social hierarchy treated according to Priestley?

  They are dehumanized and objectified
• What historical context influenced Priestley's writing of the play?

  The aftermath of two World Wars and the Great Depression
• What does Priestley encourage his audience to value over wealth?

  Love and friendship
• What themes are introduced at the start of the play?

  • Wealth and materialism
  • The Birlings as a wealthy family
  • Importance of material possessions
• How does the setting of the Birlings' home reflect their social status?

  It is a physical manifestation of upper-class materialism
• What do the "Champagne glasses," "port," and "cigar box" symbolize in the play?

  They indicate the Birlings' excessive wealth
• What does the description of the Birlings' home suggest about their lifestyle?

  They live in comfort and want for nothing
• How does Priestley contrast the comfort of the Birlings' home with its emotional atmosphere?

  The home is luxurious but not cozy or homelike, suggesting a lack of emotional connection
• What does Sheila's excitement over her engagement ring reveal about her values?

  She places more importance on the physical token than on the engagement itself
• How does Mr Birling's focus on money affect his perception of happiness?

  He cannot recognize other sources of pleasure or happiness
• What does Mr Birling's refusal to raise wages indicate about his character?

  It shows his greed and prioritization of profit over people
• How does Priestley use the metaphor of "price" in relation to Mr Birling and Eva's experiences?

  It contrasts Mr Birling's economic concerns with the heavy price Eva pays for his greed
• What do the upper-class men's offers of money to Eva reveal about their understanding of her situation?

  They believe money can solve everything and reduce her to an object
• How does Priestley portray the impact of capitalism on human relationships?

  It turns people and forgiveness into things that can be bought
• What lesson does Priestley want his audience to learn regarding wealth and emotional connection?

  To value emotional connection and fellowship over wealth
• How does the setting of the Birlings' home contribute to the overall themes of the play?

  It reflects upper-class materialism and the emotional emptiness of the characters
• What does the continuity of the setting suggest about the elder Birlings' attitudes?

  They refuse to learn or change their ways
• How does the Inspector's role affect the Birlings' perception of their actions?

  He reveals their greed and its consequences on Eva's life
• What is the significance of the Birlings living in luxury while Eva is dead in the Infirmary?

  It highlights the moral decay and consequences of their greed
• What does Priestley describe the Birlings' home as?

  A fairly large suburban house belonging to a prosperous manufacturer
• What does the description of the Birlings' home suggest about their social status?

  It indicates they are part of the upper class
• How does Priestley characterize the Birlings' home in terms of comfort?

  It is substantial and heavily comfortable but not cozy or homelike
• What does the lack of coziness in the Birlings' home imply about their family dynamics?

  It suggests a lack of emotional connection among family members
• What does Sheila's reaction to her engagement ring reveal about societal values?

  It shows the importance placed on material possessions over emotional connections
• How does Mr Birling's attitude towards money affect his relationships?

  It leads him to prioritize wealth over human connection
• What does Mr Birling's refusal to raise wages indicate about his values?

  It indicates his greed and lack of empathy for his workers
• How does Priestley use the metaphor of "heavy price" in the play?

  To contrast the economic concerns of the wealthy with the life-and-death struggles of the poor