Capitalism vs Socialism/Eva Smith

Question 1

“​[unhappily] give thousands - yes, thousands —”

Answer 1

Eva is a working class woman and suffers because of it, beginning with being fired after asking for a living wage, which is a reasonable request. For the benefit of those who profit from capitalism, the strikers are not protected and therefore are exploited. However, Mr Birling’s ​stinginess​ is soon resolved when there is a ​chance of criminal prosecution- highlighting the hypocorism of the upper classes (explicit by the Inspectors “your offering money at the wrong place, at the wrong time).

Question 2

“​[With dignity] we’ve done a great deal of useful work for deserving cases”

Answer 2

Priestley’s use of the ​stage direction ​”​with dignity”​ suggests that Mrs Birling’s role is not held out of care or compassion for the poor, but as a way to gain influence and status. Mrs Birling claims that the financial aid is reserved only for “​deserving cases​”, a decision made at the discretion of the upper classes, reflecting how the lives of the working classes are controlled by the wealthy.