How does Priestley portray ideas about capitalism in An Inspector
Calls?
Mr Birling is obsessed with capitalist ideals. Priestley presents Mr Birling as a proud
fool to mock capitalist die-hards in the age of rising socialism in the 20th century. For
example, Mr Birling is convinced that ‘we’re in for a time of steadily increasing
prosperity’ and that there will 'be peace'. This is dramatic irony, as Priestley's
audience know the Great Depression and two world wars happened after 1912 when
the play was set.
Priestley suggests that capitalism is an unfair system through the dynamic between
the Birlings,who represent capitalism, and Eva Smith, who represent those
disadvantaged by capitalism. For example, Mrs Birling refuses to grant Eva financial
aid when Eva seeks the help of the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation. Mrs
Birling calls Eva 'impudent' for using Mrs Birlings name, which is ironic given that Mrs
Birling is disrespecting Eva by refusing to help her. Priestley is highlighting how
differently his wealthy contemporaries fared throughout the war years compared with
the less fortunate.
The tension between the older and younger Birlings represents the tension between
capitalist and socialist factions of society during the first half of the 20th century.
Sheila says of Mr Birling's employees: 'these girls aren't cheap labour – they're
people'. The juxtaposition of 'cheap labour' and 'people' highlights the contrasting
attitudes of the two characters - Mr Birling believes in a rigid hierarchy, whereas
Sheila sees everyone more equally. Priestley is highlighting the tension caused by
socialism rising in capitalist Britain.
Calls?
Mr Birling is obsessed with capitalist ideals. Priestley presents Mr Birling as a proud
fool to mock capitalist die-hards in the age of rising socialism in the 20th century. For
example, Mr Birling is convinced that ‘we’re in for a time of steadily increasing
prosperity’ and that there will 'be peace'. This is dramatic irony, as Priestley's
audience know the Great Depression and two world wars happened after 1912 when
the play was set.
Priestley suggests that capitalism is an unfair system through the dynamic between
the Birlings,who represent capitalism, and Eva Smith, who represent those
disadvantaged by capitalism. For example, Mrs Birling refuses to grant Eva financial
aid when Eva seeks the help of the Brumley Women’s Charity Organisation. Mrs
Birling calls Eva 'impudent' for using Mrs Birlings name, which is ironic given that Mrs
Birling is disrespecting Eva by refusing to help her. Priestley is highlighting how
differently his wealthy contemporaries fared throughout the war years compared with
the less fortunate.
The tension between the older and younger Birlings represents the tension between
capitalist and socialist factions of society during the first half of the 20th century.
Sheila says of Mr Birling's employees: 'these girls aren't cheap labour – they're
people'. The juxtaposition of 'cheap labour' and 'people' highlights the contrasting
attitudes of the two characters - Mr Birling believes in a rigid hierarchy, whereas
Sheila sees everyone more equally. Priestley is highlighting the tension caused by
socialism rising in capitalist Britain.
