Exploitation

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

exposes how capitalism exploits the working class

highlights the exploitation of women

Critiques upper class for being privileged

Question 2

K.L.C.D

Answer 2

keep labour costs down

Capitalist jargon like “labour costs” dehumanises workers, exposing how the upper class exploits them for financial gain.
The imperative “keep” reveals Mr Birling’s ruthless prioritisation of profit over people

Question 3

W.S.T.T.F.H.W

Answer 3

why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?

The rhetorical question presents Eric momentarily as Priestley’s mouthpiece against economic exploitation.
The inclusive pronoun “they” universalises the workers’ struggle, highlighting the widespread nature of exploitation.

Question 4

M.O.E.S.A.J.S

Answer 4

Millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths

The hyperbole “millions” amplifies the scale of class exploitation
The generic surnames erase individuality, showing how the exploited poor become invisible in a capitalist system.

Question 5

B.T.G.A.C.L.T.P

Answer 5

but these girls aren’t cheaper labour - they’re people

The juxtaposition of “cheap labour” and “people” reflects Sheila’s awakening to the human cost of capitalist exploitation.
The dash isolates her realisation, marking her emotional shift from passive privilege to empathy

Question 6

Y.M.B.S.T.H.B.J.O.H

Answer 6

You might be said to have been jealous of her

Priestley critiques internalised misogyny, where patriarchal structures force women into competition, leading to emotional exploitation.

Question 7

I.D.R.H.T

Answer 7

I didn’t remember… hellish thing

reflects emotional collapse under the weight of his exploitative behaviour.
“Hellish” reveals the psychological toll of his recognition in exploiting the vulnerable.

Question 8

R.C.A.N.C

Answer 8

Respectable citizens and not criminals

The ironic contrast between “respectable” and “criminals” exposes the upper class’s belief that status excuses exploitation.
Priestley satirises how societal respectability is used to mask moral corruption

Question 9

T.W.B.T.I.I.F.A.B.A.A

Answer 9

They will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish

The violent triplet warns that failure to end exploitation will lead to collective suffering
Biblical tone positions the Inspector as a moral force, condemning the repeated cycles of human exploitation.