Socialism and Capitalism - An Inspector Calls

Created for the use of the English Literature exam - An Inspector Calls.

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  • Created by: Bexie
  • Created on: 21-05-12 18:44

Socialism

  • The traditional views of the Labour Party. Views of Clement Attlee in 1945. Caused the foundation of the National Health Service.
  • Views personified in the play by the Inspector, which suggests that they are well-informed, serious and important. Younger characters come to share them.
  • The views of J.B Prietsly (who wrote the play), George Bernard Shaw and H.G Wells.
  • Has an attitude of 'You should share your wealth, if you are enough to be rich, with those who aren't.'
  • A set of beliefs represented by the character of Inspector Goole. This set of beliefs is very much criticised and made to look unfair by Birling in the play.
  • This set of beliefs is portrayed favourably in the play. Suggests that the rich should support the poor, and pay higher taxes, related to how much they earn.
  • Proposes the idea of living together as a community, all looking out for and protecting each other.
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Capitalism

  • A set of beliefs represented by the character of Mr Birling.
  • Describes people like George Bernard Shaw, H.G Wells and J.B Priestly as 'cranks' (an insult).
  • Has an attitude of 'You've worked hard to earn your money, and you should be allowed to keep it all'.
  • Suggests that the poor should work harder so that they can become rich. All people should pay roughly the same amount of tax.
  • The traditional views of the Conservative Party. The views of Winston Churchill in 1945.
  • Proposes the idea of individual responsibility, looking out for yourself and those close to you, but not everyone in society.
  • Through the technique of dramatic irony, this political view is shown to be idiotic, as those who hold it are shown to be fools.
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