Capitalism vs socialism/Mr Birling

Question 1

“We may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together – for lower costs and higher prices.”

Answer 1

This reveals the true motive behind Sheila’s marriage, which is profit - rather than love.

Question 2

“as if we were all mixed up together like bees in a hive – community and all that nonsense.”

Answer 2

The ​simile​ ​“like bees in a hive”​ ​ is an attempt by Mr Birling to trivialise the concept of socialism.

Question 3

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself”

Answer 3

Here, Mr Birling speaks in the​ third person​ in an attempt to create a philosophical element to his speech.

Question 4

“It’s my duty to keep labour costs down.”

Answer 4

Priestley uses the ​noun​ ​“​duty”​ ​ to emphasise Mr Birling’s dedication to capitalism and profit.

Question 5

“If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the earth.”

Answer 5

The ​hyperbole​ (exaggeration for effect) of ​“asking for the earth”​ ​ is an attempt by Mr Birling to explain his rejection of Eva Smith’s pay rise. However, the absurdity of people ​“asking for the earth”​ ​ reflects the absurdity of Mr Birling’s refusal to pay a decent wage.

Question 6

“Probably a socialist or some sort of crank”

Answer 6

The ​noun​ ​“crank”​ is an attempt by Mr Birling to condemn socialism, however, Priestley’s use of dramatic irony​ causes the audience to oppose Mr Birling’s views and therefore sympathise with socialists.