Wealth & Materialism

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

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

  He refuses to raise his workers' wages to maximize his profit
• 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' perception of the poor?

  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 the characters and audience feel towards 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 the capitalist class system affect people's values according to Priestley?

  It leads people to seek material possessions and money as symbols of their worth
• What does Priestley imply about the emotional and moral intelligence of wealthy individuals?

  They lack emotional and moral intelligence and cannot connect with others
• How are the lower classes depicted in relation to the wealthy in the play?

  They are dehumanized and objectified
• In what year did Priestley write the play?

  1945
• What historical events influenced Priestley's writing of the play?

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

  Love and friendship
• How do wealth and materialism manifest in the Birlings' home and lifestyle?

  • The Birlings' home is a "fairly large suburban house" with "good solid furniture"
  • They possess "Champagne glasses," "port," and a "cigar box"
  • Their lifestyle reflects excessive wealth and comfort

  
• What does the setting of the Birlings' home imply about their social status?

  It indicates they are a wealthy family
• How does the setting contribute to the audience's perception of the Birlings?

  The luxury of their surroundings becomes intimidating and grotesque
• What does Priestley suggest about the emotional state of the Birlings despite their wealth?

  They lack emotional connection and intimacy
• What does Sheila's excitement over her engagement ring reveal about her values?

  She values the physical token of engagement more than 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 illustrate about his character?

  It illustrates his greed and prioritization of profit over people
• How does the Inspector challenge Mr Birling's views on wealth?

  By highlighting the heavy price Eva paid for his greed
• What does Priestley suggest about the consequences of wealth for the upper and lower classes?

  What is of small consequence to the upper classes is of huge consequence to the lower classes

  
• How do the upper-class men's interactions with Eva reflect their understanding of her situation?

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

  Capitalism 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
• What are the key themes related to wealth and materialism in the play?

  • Wealth influences interactions and power dynamics
  • Materialism leads to emotional disconnection
  • Greed results in destructive consequences
  • Capitalism dehumanizes the lower classes