An Inspector Calls Quote Analysis:
Capitalism Vs Socialism
“A hard-headed practical man of business”- Mr Birling
● Overall, this quote exposes his self arrogance and presents him as hubiristic. Through
this quote Mr Birling shows no emotion and therefore presents him as a pure capitalist
as it suggests he is solely money driven and has no time for these emotions.
● Mr Birling is used as a construct to discredit capitalism through political allusions his
contemporary audience would understand. Sir Stanley Baldwin, a prime minister
between the two world wars, accused “hard-faced men” of profiting out of the war. Mr
Birling stands to represent these affluent businessmen who callously took advantage of
the suffering of war for financial gain.
● Alternatively, it may foreshadow the cyclical structure of the play by exposing the
obstinate nature of Mr Birling, suggesting that he will not be moulded by and succumb
to the progressive views that the Inspector tries to indoctrinate him with.
● Specifically, the alliterative ‘h’ on ‘hard-headed,’ emmenates a harsh sound, which
reflects Mr Birlings attempts to assert his power and status and exploit his workers for
greater profit.
● Furthermore, the use of asyndeton (lack of connectives in a sentence): emphasises his
direct personality by denoting an accelerated rhythm of speech. This may emphasise his
desire to erase any ‘ distractions’ or ‘inconvenient’ things from his line of business-
including any sense of compassion- epitomising his corrupt and exploitative nature as a
capitalist.
● To an Edwardian audience, this quote may simply expose the ignorance of the capitalist
approach, perhaps encouraging them to accept and support the electoral swing of 1945
from capitalism to socialism, which committed to the Beveridge report, bringing forth
welfare rights.
● However, to a modern audience this quote may evoke a sense of anguish for the
regressive and arrogant approach of Mr Birling, a microcosm for the upper echelon,
perhaps developing a helpless desire for them to reform as the play progresses.
● Contextually, in 1912 Britain was predominantly capitalist and conservative, adopting a
Laissez faire approach which suggested that the government should limit their
interference within the economy, which only drove the poor further into extreme
poverty. This created an optimum environment for capitalist business owners as they
had free reign to decide the prices of their goods and simultaneously exploit their
workers.
, ● Pristley may intend to establish Mr Birling as a ‘hard- headed’ and exploitative capitalist
in order to reinforce his political diatribe- he is scathing of the paradoxes and hypocrisy
of Edwardian politics.
“As if they were all mixed up like bees in a hive- community and all that nonsense.”- Mr
Birling
● Overall, this quote portrays the principles of socialism as animalistic, absurd and
unachievable. As socialism is synonymous with change, Mr Birling is rejecting change
within society as he benefits from this unfair societal system where the lower classes are
exploited, and the upper class are able to capitalise.
● However, the Inspector's later message of, “we are members of one body,” may in fact
reinstate socialism as humane, perhaps through the metaphor of a ‘body,’ which starkly
juxtaposed Mr Birling's animalistic simile.
● In Particular the idiomatic noun “nonsense” is used to depict Mr Birling's arrogance and
ignorance as he is rudely dismissive of any political idea that promotes fairness;
degrading and ridiculing it as an absurd idea as he thrives in an unfair and unequal
capitalist society.
● Furthermore, the use of zoomorphism to characterise society, particularly linking the
lower classes to “bees” is a direct attempt to degrade and mock the concept of collective
responsibility, portraying it as an animalistic and primal behaviour fit only for the
insignificant creatures of “bees”.
● Alternatively, specific use of symbolism used in the zoomorphism of “bees” may be
reminiscent of a thriving, communal and social animal which may reference the political
ideology of socialism. The deeper association of honey may be symbolic of the sweet
reward and abundance which can be achieved through collective effort. This may aim to
contradict Mr Birling’s regressive views, perhaps even exposing the hypocrisy within his
own words as he is simultaneously highlighting both the social and personal benefits of
adopting such an approach amidst a feeble criticism of it.
● Finally, the deliberate insertion of a hyphen creates a theatrical paus, compelling the
actor to hesitate before articulating the word “community” This pause emphasises hsi
physical repulsion to the concept, suggesting an inability to verbalise it.
● To a modern day reader, this quote evokes an element of anguish towards Mr Birlings
disregard of the lower classes and his social responsibility. However, more deeply, an
Edwardian aristocracy, who may previously have agreed with such remarks, may now
begin to question their ethicability and ridiculing nature.
● Contextually, In 1912 there was little social mobility, a continuation of the Victorian era’s
fixed social structure, thus the class you belonged to, you were confined too. Priestley
may aim to craft Mr Birling as emblematic of the individuals who favoured the strict
, class divide and an unfair society in order to vilify the capitalist movement as a whole.
● However, a more progressive 1945 society began to see moves towards social justice and
equality with the introduction of the welfare state and the Equal Franchise Act 1928-
which permitted all men and women over 21 to vote. This may align with Pristleys’
intention of catalysing this transition from a capitalist society to a socialist which
demonstrates the personal and societal benefits of such a system.
“We are members of one body.”- the Inspector
● Overall, this quote identifies the Inspector as Priestley's dramatic vehicle to carry a
strong political message about ways in which society could be improved by adopting the
political ideas associated with the ideology of socialism and the pivotal qualities of
compassion and unity.
● Most significantly, the Inspectors choice of words echo the biblical teaching, used in
baptism, that we are “members of his body” in christ. Thus, alike to Jesus, the Inspector
aims to highlight the Christian need for togetherness.
● Furthermore, alike to jesus providing salvation to mankind, the Inspectors final
monologue can be seen to be the salvation for the Birlings’ and the opportunity for
them to reform and foster a socialist approach in society.
● The Inspector serves as a moral agent of God within the play. His prophetic and
omniscient nature is utilised by Priestley to emphasise how capitalism has caused a
digression from the foundations of religion. Thus, he uses the Inspector, the
embodiment of socialism, to try and provide salvation and redemption for the Birlings.
● The collective pronoun “we” highlights the desperate need for collective responsibility
by the Birlings- who are microcosmic for the parsimonious capitalist society of 1912.
● In 1912, society was predominantly conservative and capitalist. However, by 1945 there
was one of the largest electoral swings in the 20th century, with the newly found labour
party winning by a landslide victory of around 10%. Their introduction of socialist
ideologies through their commitment to the Beveridge report brought about social
reform and placed emphasis on this collective responsibility.
● Priesltey may intend to establish the Inspector as his mouthpiece for these views, thus
to not only expose the flaws of the capitalist system but also encourage his Edwardian
audiences to adopt and support the more progressive views that were brought forth.
Capitalism Vs Socialism
“A hard-headed practical man of business”- Mr Birling
● Overall, this quote exposes his self arrogance and presents him as hubiristic. Through
this quote Mr Birling shows no emotion and therefore presents him as a pure capitalist
as it suggests he is solely money driven and has no time for these emotions.
● Mr Birling is used as a construct to discredit capitalism through political allusions his
contemporary audience would understand. Sir Stanley Baldwin, a prime minister
between the two world wars, accused “hard-faced men” of profiting out of the war. Mr
Birling stands to represent these affluent businessmen who callously took advantage of
the suffering of war for financial gain.
● Alternatively, it may foreshadow the cyclical structure of the play by exposing the
obstinate nature of Mr Birling, suggesting that he will not be moulded by and succumb
to the progressive views that the Inspector tries to indoctrinate him with.
● Specifically, the alliterative ‘h’ on ‘hard-headed,’ emmenates a harsh sound, which
reflects Mr Birlings attempts to assert his power and status and exploit his workers for
greater profit.
● Furthermore, the use of asyndeton (lack of connectives in a sentence): emphasises his
direct personality by denoting an accelerated rhythm of speech. This may emphasise his
desire to erase any ‘ distractions’ or ‘inconvenient’ things from his line of business-
including any sense of compassion- epitomising his corrupt and exploitative nature as a
capitalist.
● To an Edwardian audience, this quote may simply expose the ignorance of the capitalist
approach, perhaps encouraging them to accept and support the electoral swing of 1945
from capitalism to socialism, which committed to the Beveridge report, bringing forth
welfare rights.
● However, to a modern audience this quote may evoke a sense of anguish for the
regressive and arrogant approach of Mr Birling, a microcosm for the upper echelon,
perhaps developing a helpless desire for them to reform as the play progresses.
● Contextually, in 1912 Britain was predominantly capitalist and conservative, adopting a
Laissez faire approach which suggested that the government should limit their
interference within the economy, which only drove the poor further into extreme
poverty. This created an optimum environment for capitalist business owners as they
had free reign to decide the prices of their goods and simultaneously exploit their
workers.
, ● Pristley may intend to establish Mr Birling as a ‘hard- headed’ and exploitative capitalist
in order to reinforce his political diatribe- he is scathing of the paradoxes and hypocrisy
of Edwardian politics.
“As if they were all mixed up like bees in a hive- community and all that nonsense.”- Mr
Birling
● Overall, this quote portrays the principles of socialism as animalistic, absurd and
unachievable. As socialism is synonymous with change, Mr Birling is rejecting change
within society as he benefits from this unfair societal system where the lower classes are
exploited, and the upper class are able to capitalise.
● However, the Inspector's later message of, “we are members of one body,” may in fact
reinstate socialism as humane, perhaps through the metaphor of a ‘body,’ which starkly
juxtaposed Mr Birling's animalistic simile.
● In Particular the idiomatic noun “nonsense” is used to depict Mr Birling's arrogance and
ignorance as he is rudely dismissive of any political idea that promotes fairness;
degrading and ridiculing it as an absurd idea as he thrives in an unfair and unequal
capitalist society.
● Furthermore, the use of zoomorphism to characterise society, particularly linking the
lower classes to “bees” is a direct attempt to degrade and mock the concept of collective
responsibility, portraying it as an animalistic and primal behaviour fit only for the
insignificant creatures of “bees”.
● Alternatively, specific use of symbolism used in the zoomorphism of “bees” may be
reminiscent of a thriving, communal and social animal which may reference the political
ideology of socialism. The deeper association of honey may be symbolic of the sweet
reward and abundance which can be achieved through collective effort. This may aim to
contradict Mr Birling’s regressive views, perhaps even exposing the hypocrisy within his
own words as he is simultaneously highlighting both the social and personal benefits of
adopting such an approach amidst a feeble criticism of it.
● Finally, the deliberate insertion of a hyphen creates a theatrical paus, compelling the
actor to hesitate before articulating the word “community” This pause emphasises hsi
physical repulsion to the concept, suggesting an inability to verbalise it.
● To a modern day reader, this quote evokes an element of anguish towards Mr Birlings
disregard of the lower classes and his social responsibility. However, more deeply, an
Edwardian aristocracy, who may previously have agreed with such remarks, may now
begin to question their ethicability and ridiculing nature.
● Contextually, In 1912 there was little social mobility, a continuation of the Victorian era’s
fixed social structure, thus the class you belonged to, you were confined too. Priestley
may aim to craft Mr Birling as emblematic of the individuals who favoured the strict
, class divide and an unfair society in order to vilify the capitalist movement as a whole.
● However, a more progressive 1945 society began to see moves towards social justice and
equality with the introduction of the welfare state and the Equal Franchise Act 1928-
which permitted all men and women over 21 to vote. This may align with Pristleys’
intention of catalysing this transition from a capitalist society to a socialist which
demonstrates the personal and societal benefits of such a system.
“We are members of one body.”- the Inspector
● Overall, this quote identifies the Inspector as Priestley's dramatic vehicle to carry a
strong political message about ways in which society could be improved by adopting the
political ideas associated with the ideology of socialism and the pivotal qualities of
compassion and unity.
● Most significantly, the Inspectors choice of words echo the biblical teaching, used in
baptism, that we are “members of his body” in christ. Thus, alike to Jesus, the Inspector
aims to highlight the Christian need for togetherness.
● Furthermore, alike to jesus providing salvation to mankind, the Inspectors final
monologue can be seen to be the salvation for the Birlings’ and the opportunity for
them to reform and foster a socialist approach in society.
● The Inspector serves as a moral agent of God within the play. His prophetic and
omniscient nature is utilised by Priestley to emphasise how capitalism has caused a
digression from the foundations of religion. Thus, he uses the Inspector, the
embodiment of socialism, to try and provide salvation and redemption for the Birlings.
● The collective pronoun “we” highlights the desperate need for collective responsibility
by the Birlings- who are microcosmic for the parsimonious capitalist society of 1912.
● In 1912, society was predominantly conservative and capitalist. However, by 1945 there
was one of the largest electoral swings in the 20th century, with the newly found labour
party winning by a landslide victory of around 10%. Their introduction of socialist
ideologies through their commitment to the Beveridge report brought about social
reform and placed emphasis on this collective responsibility.
● Priesltey may intend to establish the Inspector as his mouthpiece for these views, thus
to not only expose the flaws of the capitalist system but also encourage his Edwardian
audiences to adopt and support the more progressive views that were brought forth.
