Capitalism vs Socialism Flashcards
How is capitalism presented throughout the play?
At the beginning, the entirety of the Berlin family and Gerald are presented as having capitalist mindsets.
However, after their individual experiences sheila and Eric are presented as having changed socialist mindsets whereas Mr B, Mrs B and Gerald remain unchanged.
How is socialism presented throughout the play?
Throughout the play the inspector is used to act as priestley’s socialist mouthpiece. Continually reminding the characters as to why they should care for their low classes and how they should have a sense of social responsibility. Additionally towards the end of the play socialist attitudes are adopted by Sheila and Eric.
How is Mr B shown as capitalist?
“as if we are all mixed together like bees in a hive, community and all that nonsense” -Act 1
“we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birling’s are no longer competing but working together” -Act 1
How is Sheila presented as capitalist/ socialist?
Capitalist: “I went to the manager and told him that this girl had been very impertinent” -Act 1
Socialist: “And probably between us we killed her.” -Act 2
‘ I want to get out of this. It frightens me the way you talk.’ -Act 3 (Sheila about the way her parents and Gerald refuse to take any responsibility)
How is Eric presented as socialist / capitalist?
Socialist: “This girl’s still dead, isn’t she? Nobody’s brought her to life, have they?” -Act 3
“No, I mean about this girl - Eva Smith. Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices. And I don’t see why she should have been sacked just because she’d a bit more spirit than the others.” - Act 1
How is Mrs B presented our capitalist?
‘Girls of that class - ‘ - Act 2
“I’m sorry she should have come to such a horrible end. But I accept no blame for it at all” - Act 2
How is Gerald presented at capitalist?
‘you couldn’t have done anything else’ -Act 1
How is the inspector presented as socialist?
‘It’s better to ask for the earth than to take it’ -Act 1
‘Public men, Mr. Birling have responsibilities as well as privileges’ -Act 2
‘We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other’ -Act 3
‘There are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us’ -Act 3
