Eva Quotes : Capatalism vs Socialism

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.

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.