System (/ˈsɪstəm/) - the prevailing political or social order, especially when regarded as oppressive and intransigent.
Socialism vs. Capitalism
Socialism /ˈsəʊʃəlɪz(ə)m
A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.
The socialists in this play seem to be Eric and Sheila by the end, as although they focus more on repenting the suicide of Eva, they also feel sorry for her because of the way their father treated her. Arthur is a firm capitalist, putting himself and his job before his family (unless its the Crofts) We can see that the siblings are not extreme socialists, but they edge more towards socialists.
However, the main character that models a socialist is Inspector Goole. He is seen as the moral centre of the novel, even though he has no involvement in Eva's death. He is the voice of Priestley's attitudes toward society at the time in which he wrote this play. He didn't like the categorised system of class and status and wanted to change this so that this no longer existed.
However, the main character that models a socialist is Inspector Goole. He is seen as the moral centre of the novel, even though he has no involvement in Eva's death. He is the voice of Priestley's attitudes toward society at the time in which he wrote this play. He didn't like the categorised system of class and status and wanted to change this so that this no longer existed.
An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.
The Birling family, Arthur especially, resemble the Capitalists of society. All Arthur cares about is his job and his status and not as much about his relations. He is portrayed as selfish and reluctant to share his wealth other than with his family, but even then, in the situation of Eric and having to steal money, Arthur still got annoyed. Another outcome could have been that Arthur forgave his own son for trying to help a woman in need of the support, but instead is selfish about it and puts full blame on his son.
Arthur is very focused on his job. He is the boss of a factory-based business, so he doesn't have to do the physical work himself. He has the power to set wages and especially in 1912 (when the play was set) there was no such thing as a minimum wage; and even when the play was performed, minimum wage was only newly introduced.
It's important to see the emphasis put on the character of Arthur when contrasting this extreme capitalist with Priestley's strong attitudes for socialism. "We are responsible for each other" is my favourite quote in the whole play as it is so simple, yet still meaningful. It says so much about how people should treat and respect each other, and even suggests religious ideas about how God has created us humans as stewards of His creation, and we should all look after each other because we are created in His image. Whether you support these religious beliefs or not, it says a lot about how society should treat each other, and at the end of the day, you're going to be remembered for your personality and relation with others, not how much money you have in the bank.
Arthur is very focused on his job. He is the boss of a factory-based business, so he doesn't have to do the physical work himself. He has the power to set wages and especially in 1912 (when the play was set) there was no such thing as a minimum wage; and even when the play was performed, minimum wage was only newly introduced.
It's important to see the emphasis put on the character of Arthur when contrasting this extreme capitalist with Priestley's strong attitudes for socialism. "We are responsible for each other" is my favourite quote in the whole play as it is so simple, yet still meaningful. It says so much about how people should treat and respect each other, and even suggests religious ideas about how God has created us humans as stewards of His creation, and we should all look after each other because we are created in His image. Whether you support these religious beliefs or not, it says a lot about how society should treat each other, and at the end of the day, you're going to be remembered for your personality and relation with others, not how much money you have in the bank.
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