Capitalism vs Socialism

• What was one of Priestley’s main intentions in writing ‘An Inspector Calls’?

  The theme of capitalism vs. socialism
• How does Priestley’s political stance influence the play ‘An Inspector Calls’?

  Priestley, being a socialist, uses the play to critique capitalism and promote socialist ideals
• Who do the Birlings represent in the play?

  The prospering capitalists in society
• What role does the Inspector play in ‘An Inspector Calls’?

  The Inspector acts as Priestley’s socialist mouthpiece, condemning capitalism and teaching socialist ideals
• What does the play suggest about the relationship between capitalism and socialism?

  The play illustrates capitalism’s eventual fall to socialism, suggesting socialism is the superior political system
• What is capitalism defined as?

  An economic system where the factors of production are owned and controlled by private groups or individuals
• What are the factors of production in capitalism?

  Capital goods, natural resources, and entrepreneurship
• What is one motto associated with capitalism?

  “Greed is good”
• How are individuals rewarded in a capitalist society?

  Individuals are rewarded according to their wealth, not contribution
• How does socialism differ from capitalism in terms of ownership of production?

  In socialism, the factors of production are owned equally by everyone in society
• What does socialism prioritize in terms of resource use?

  Socialism considers the resources’ usefulness to people
• What services would a socialist government provide?

  Education and health care
• How does socialism ensure care for those who cannot contribute to production?

  Socialism ensures that those who can’t contribute, such as the elderly, are still cared for
• What was socialism initially designed to do in the nineteenth century?

  Improve the standard of living for the working class
• What is the ideal outcome of a socialist society regarding poverty?

  Poverty is not possible because everyone has equal access to profits and resources
• What political party was in power in Britain in 1912?

  The Liberal Party
• What economic approach did the Liberal Party support?

  Laissez-faire economics
• What was the outcome of the 1945 General Election in Britain?

  The Labour Party was elected into government by a landslide
• What did the Labour Party’s manifesto include?

  Many Socialist values and proposals
• What does the change in government from 1912 to 1945 suggest about British society?

  It indicates a desire for social reform after two World Wars
• What was one of the greatest demands in Britain after the World Wars?

  A Welfare State
• How does Priestley depict the interactions between Mr. Birling and the Inspector?

  As emblematic of their respective political ideologies
• How is Mr. Birling characterized in the play?

  As the archetype of a Capitalist businessman
• What qualities does Mr. Birling embody?

  Greedy, money-driven, and selfish
• What does Mr. Birling’s character reflect about private businesses?

  They aim to make as much profit as possible, often at the expense of others
• How does Priestley encourage the audience to view Mr. Birling?

  Through a Socialist lens, highlighting the flaws of capitalism
• What does Mr. Birling predict about the future in relation to capitalism?

  That by 1940, society will have forgotten about Capital versus Labour agitations
• What does Priestley imply about the stability of capitalism through Mr. Birling’s statement?

  That the structure of capitalism is not stable
• How does Mr. Birling’s character serve as a symbol in the play?

  He symbolizes Capitalism’s dominance and arrogance
• What does Mr. Birling’s description of himself reveal?

  His arrogance and self-assuredness as a businessman
• What metaphor does Priestley use to illustrate the failings of capitalism?

  The Titanic
• How does Mr. Birling view the Titanic?

  As a symbol of Capitalism’s success and power
• What does Priestley suggest about the economic system of capitalism through the Titanic metaphor?

  That capitalism has fatal flaws and is not as invincible as it appears
• What aspect of capitalism does Priestley focus on through Mr. Birling’s character?

  How it discourages people from looking after one another
• What mantra does Mr. Birling repeat that reflects capitalist ideology?

  “A man has to make his own way - has to look after himself”
• How does Mr. Birling’s refusal to accept responsibility relate to capitalism?

  It shows how capitalism encourages narcissism and carelessness
• What does Mr. Birling’s response to the Inspector reveal about his character?

  He cares more about self-preservation and comfort than the well-being of others
• How does Priestley portray the relationship between employers and employees in capitalism?

  As one where employers are superior and more stable, while employees are dependent
• What does Mr. Birling say about the workers’ strike regarding wages?

  He refused to raise wages despite the workers requesting a small raise
• How does Mr. Birling justify his refusal to raise wages?

  By stating it would add about twelve percent to their labour costs