Wealth and Materialism Flashcards
how is wealth a theme
it is one of the Birlings main interests and influences their interactions with others. It brings each of them power over others and they forget the poor are himan too.
he wont raise workers wages so he can make more money
Sheila is a wealthy customer and enjoys spending in up market shops
Gerald uses money to support his mistress Eva
Eric steels money#
Mrs Birling refuses to give Eva money to help her
contextual information
in a capitalist class system wealth leads to power and success Priestly argues people seek material possessions and money as symbols of their place in society
how is wealth as a theme established from the start
setting of the play and appearance of character would enable the audience to recognise the Birlings as a wealthy family.
what is significant about the setting- why is this significant -
it doesn’t change - the setting stays the same in every scene - it reflects how the older Birlings refuse to change their ways - when the inspector leaves they return to their comfort and money despite being held accountable
what does the inspector show
how their greed caused Eva’s death
how is Sheila’s engagement significant
Sheila is excited over her engagement ring her reaction suggests this physical token gives her more joy than the engagement does. “now I really feel engaged” implies material possessions are needed for the engagement to be real. The ring connects her to Gerald not love- Priestly presents the idea that society place to much importance of physical possessions
what does the focus on money suggest
people can not recognise other sources of happiness
money is the only thing of worth to the Birluings
how is Eva’s poverty important
when confronted with Eva’s poverty all 3 upper class men offered her money - they believe money can solve everything -
suggesting the rich think the lower classes only weakness is shortage of money
