Writers Intentions

Question 1

Writers Intentions Summarised

Answer 1

• Vilify Capitalism and scrutinises it on how it causes regress rather than progress
• Collective responsibility by-product of adopting socialist beliefs and is the solution to the division and segregation prevalent in society
• Allegorical diatribe to criticise oppresive barriers of social class

Question 2

Priestley’s Intention 1 - Vilify Capitalism

Answer 2

Priestley aims to vilify capitalism through making immorality, irresponsibility and exploitation synonymous (closely linked) with the characters he constructs to hold these beliefs. He aims to scrutinise how detrimental this ideology is to society and how it causes society to regress rather than progress.

Question 3

Priestley’s Intention 2 - Collective Responsibility

Answer 3

Priestley shows that collective responsibility is a by-product of adopting socialist beliefs. He asserts that this collective responsibility serves as a solution to the division and segregation prevalent in society, ultimately creating inevitable social cohesion.

Question 4

Priestley’s Intention 3 - Allegorical Diatribe

Answer 4

He utilises his allegorical diatribe (teaching a message while criticising) to both educate his audience and criticise the oppressive barriers of social class, arguing that upholding these divisions only exacerbates societal suffering and destruction.