Capitalism vs Socialism// Class/Eric Birling

Question 1

“[not too rudely] Well, don’t do any. We’ll drink to their health and have done with it.”

Answer 1

Eric is eager to be done with talk of their engagement as he realises the ​ridiculousness of the toasts for a marriage which is merely a transaction​.
Eric disapproves, however, he is powerless to do anything. This is aptly demonstrated by Priestley through the​ stage directions​ as Eric interrupts “​[not too rudely]​” as he doesn’t have the power to challenge his father directly yet is not quite at ease with the ​capitalist​ purpose of his sister’s marriage.

Question 2

“Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?”

“you said yourself she was a good worker”

Answer 2

Eric questions “​why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?”​ as he believes that the capitalist​ system ought to be fair to both employers and employees. He puts forward a moral form of capitalism​, pointing out to Birling, “​you said yourself she was a good worker”​ , implying that she should be financially rewarded for this.