Capitalism versus Socialism

Why capitalism is morally inferior

out-of-touch,

Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war + unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable - a1, birling discusses politics with gerald during the engagement dinner.

Why capitalism is morally inferior

selfish, deluded, narcissistic

a hard-headed, practical man of business (how he continually describes himself) a1

Why capitalism is morally inferior

extent of suffering

“there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us”

Why socialism is morally superior

stands up for oppressed women/ against oppressive system

But these girls aren’t cheap labour. They’re people! (when inspector states her father uses these young women as cheap labour) a1

Why socialism is morally superior

holds powerful people accountable - socially responsible

[massively] public men, mr birling, have responsibilites as well as privileges a1 in response to Mr Birling’s attempts to assert his social and economic status to intimidate him. This moment occurs after Mr Birling expresses outrage that someone of his standing is being questioned, especially in front of his family.

Consequences of rejecting socialism

revolution

And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they well be taught it in fire and blood and anguish. a3 Inspector Goole delivers this line as part of his final speech before leaving the Birling household. The characters have just been confronted with their moral failings and complicity in the downfall of Eva Smith. This quote encapsulates the Inspector’s warning and moral message to the family—and by extension, to the audience.

Consequences of rejecting socialism

repeats

Priestley also uses structural techniques to support his theme. The cyclical structure of the play—ending with another phone call announcing a real inspector—is symbolic of how social responsibility is an ongoing issue. The repetition of events suggests that unless society learns its lessons, history will repeat itself.