The Destructive Qualities of Capitalism

The play’s characters, relationships, and story are all defined by their relationship to its central thematic consideration of the destructive qualities of capitalism. The opening lines of the play, before Inspector Goole arrives, make a clear initial statement of this idea – or, more specifically, of what those qualities actually are. At this early stage, however, they are not portrayed as destructive. This is because the comments made by patriarch and successful businessman Arthur Birling as he toasts the engagement of his daughter Sheila are, in fact, an initial statement of praise for qualities like personal ambition, the value of making money, and the necessity for self-reliance. Mrs. Birling’s comments to Sheila about the nature of marriage to a businessman, along with the support of Sheila’s fiancé for Birling’s comments, all indicate their support for Birling’s perspective. On...