1. CAPITALISM VERSUS SOCIALISM HIGH CLASS VERSUS LOW CLASS
A play of contrasts:
CAPITALISM VERSUS SOCIALISM
HIGH CLASS VERSUS LOW CLASS
OLDER GENERATION VERSUS YOUNGER GENERATION
IRRESPONSIBILITY VERSUS RESPONSIBILITY
MALES VERSUS FEMALES

2. CAPITALISM “I’d give thousands, yes thousands
CAPITALISM “I’d give thousands, yes thousands.” Mr B (pay off any issues as money was easy to come by for the Birlings/capitalists).Repetition for emphasis
SOCIALISM “Between us we drove that girl to suicide.” Sheila realising they all had a part in the girl’s death. Collective voice for importance
“You musn’t try to build up a kind of wall.” (Sheila warning to not ignore actions) metaphor
OLDER GENERATION “go to bed…absurd business” Mrs B dramatic adjective
“you hysterical young fool.” Mr B to Eric – patronising adjectives
YOUNGER GENERATION “You’re not the kind of father a chap can go to.” E Judgemental
“It’s you two who are being childish” S Judgemental – unusual from a child and female
IRRESPONSIBILITY “I’d give thousands, yes thousands.”(see above)
RESPONSIBILITY “We are members of one body” (socialists work together-collective voice)
FEMALES “when you’re married … men have to spend nearly all their time and energy on the business.” Adverb for emphasis on the fact men are often absent from the home.
MALES “brown eyes and soft hair” easily distracted by a pretty woman attractive adjectives

3. Men were leaders and main earners.
How does Priestley present ideas about gender in An Inspector Calls? He shows that gender roles can change highlighting society’s readiness for change.
“when you’re married you’ll realise… that men have to spend nearly all their time and energy on the business.” Mrs Birling trying to educate her on the expectations of marriage (e.g. the men will be away a lot). adverb “nearly” showing the men are focused on making money – which is typical of the Capitalists.
“I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty.” Eric Adjective “nasty” highlighting that men who go out a lot and drink can easily get into trouble and become irresponsible. This is typical for the men at the time.
“you were the wonderful fairy prince” Sheila being sarcastic about Gerald coming to the rescue of Eva Smith which turned into an affair. “Wonderful fairy” showing her sarcasm as he was not just saving her!! This is typical for some men at the time.
CONTEXT
Men were leaders and main earners.
Women were supposed to be quiet, respectful and loyal to their men.
“we really must stop these silly pretences” (Shelia) adjective “silly”
This shows us that she is challenging her mother because she knows that her mother is acting childish and not adult-like. This is unusual as the child would not be expected to challenge their parents, also this is unusual for a female to say too.

4. What do you think is the importance of responsibility and how does Priestly present this in the play? (Very important as the Inspector tries to make each character see/feel it which is easier for the young)
“I’d give you thousands, yes thousands” (Birling) Priestly using repetition so Mr B is showing off that he has money and is happy to use it to cover up any problems which will threaten his family/reputation. Typical of capitalism – he is not responsible for his actions as he’d rather pay off any problems rather than face them.
“we are members of one body” or “we are responsible for each other” which implies to us that Mr Goole is trying to make an example of what everyone should be like as he wants everyone to work together and be responsible. Collective voice “we” highlighting socialist attitude which is in contrast to the Capitalist view.
CONTRASTS:
Socialism/Capitalism
Responsible/irresponsible
“I think you should go to bed and forget about this absurd business.” “absurd” negative adjective showing how this death is an inconvenience. Also, imperative verb “go” commanding her daughter to leave and go to bed as if she was a child. Mrs B wants Sheila to leave as she is being turned into a Socialist by the Inspector (becoming worried from her actions (responsible))
“We really must stop these silly pretences” S to M adjective “silly” suggesting Mrs B is acting childish and not taking responsibility for her actions. “You don’t seem to have learnt anything” S to Mr B judging her father, not typical for the young to do this or to show signs of being socialist when parents are Capitalist.

5. What do you think is the importance of Inspector Goole and how does Priestly presents him? (Important as it shows how a socialism minority can make a difference).
“ an impression of massiveness, society and purposefulness” Adjectives of power shows how serious and effective Inspector Goole’s entrance is when he enters the house because it creates tension as no one knows who the “massive” man at the door is or what he wants.
“don’t stammer and yammer at me man.” This implies that he has lost his patience because of the imperative verb command to Mr B. He is frustrated at their lack of empathy with the situation and their inability to take responsibility for their actions.
Priestley’s own viewpoints were shared through the character of Goole.
Consider also ‘Goole’ what does this mean? Is he a real ghoul?
“Probably a Socialist or some sort of crank” (Mr B about the Inspector) This represents the judgemental capitalist views on socialism – how they see these people as “cranks” – phonies who do not see the importance of power and money.
“We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other” This highlights that he’s being a socialist and that he’s a caring, responsible person because he wants people to work together and not against each other. He’s against capitalism.

6. How does Priestly present the contrast between the young and old
How does Priestly present the contrast between the young and old? (Family dynamics).
“I know I’m to blame and I'm desperately sorry”(Sheila) This shows that Sheila is confessing that what she has done. The use of the adverb “desperately” suggests that Sheila is feeling guilty about what happened to the girl because she thinks that part of it was her fault. Shows her mature attitude to admit her wrong-doing.
“it’s you two who are being childish” (Sheila) This shows that Sheila is challenging her parents. The use of the adjective “childish” suggests that Sheila’s parents aren’t being responsible for what they have done for the girl because they’re refusing to take any notice of what has happened. They are behaving like children in their inability to admit their wrong. IRONY too.
Focus on the Birlings: Mr and Mrs B who are very different to Eric and Sheila.
Young can change, older folk can’t/struggle.
“you hysterical young fool”(Mr B) Priestly uses patronising adjectives when snapping at his son due to his involvement with Eva (getting her pregnant). He is enraged that Eric’s behaviour may bring out a “public scandal” something he wants to avoid at all costs as reputation is everything to a Capitalist.