Priestley’s didactic message is that capitalists must become socially responsible instead of exploiting women and the working class, and consequently, his audience should vote for a socialist society. Priestley discredits Birling through dramatic irony when he predicts in 1912, "The Germans don't want war." This highlights the ignorance of the ruling classes and suggests their attitudes to workers will be similarly poor. He also exposes patriarchal control. Sheila suspects Gerald has had an affair due to his absences. Her mother instructs her, "You'll have to get used to that, just as I had," implying that male infidelity must be accepted, even in one’s own family. Birling ironically announces, "A man has to mind his own business," which suggests self-interest blinds the ruling classes to the harm they inflict on workers and women. These words summon the Inspector to expose the Birlings. Birling sacked Eva Smith for demanding a slightly higher wage. Gerald justifies this to preserve profits, so Eric delivers Priestley’s message, "Why shouldn't they try for higher wages?" The Inspector asks us to focus on "These young women counting their pennies" because women suffer most under capitalism. "Pennies" emphasises their vulnerability. Priestley then moves to patriarchal control. Sheila gains nothing financially from Eva's sacking. Instead, the Inspector reveals, "You might be said to have been jealous of her." This reflects a society that forces women to measure self-worth by appearance, as their financial security depends on marrying well. Eva then considers prostitution at the Palace, where men exploit women. A politician, Meggarty, regularly assaults women, and Sheila’s friend "only escaped with a torn blouse." Gerald appears kind when he rescues Eva and houses her: "It happened that a friend of mine ... had gone off to Canada." The passive tone suggests he always intended to take a mistress rather than pay for sex. Gerald then discards Eva as soon as his friend returns. Priestley condemns society for normalising this exploitation, just as Gerald does. Gerald will persuade the Birlings to dismiss the Inspector’s lessons. Next, Priestley criticises the class system. Although Sybil oversees a charity for working-class women, she despises them as "Girls of that class" and refuses Eva charity when she is desperate, leading to her suicide. Priestley reserves his strongest criticism for the men who exploit Eva, exposing Eric last. Eric downplays his assault: "I was in that state where a chap easily turns nasty." "That state" dismisses it as normal, while "a chap" implies all wealthy men behave this way. This is Priestley’s point: in a patriarchal society, it is normal. Eric also denies stealing: "Not really. I intended to pay it back." His audience would doubt this, especially as fifty pounds, nearly a year’s wages for Eva, is gone in months. Priestley exposes Eric as a self-deceiving thief, alcoholic, and abuser, making him an unconvincing reformed character. Priestley suggests that, despite World War One, rich men like Eric continued to dominate society. The Inspector warns that Eva symbolises "Millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths" exploited by the rich. Priestley appeals to Christian faith, using the language of communion: "We are members of one body," implying Christians must support socialism and social equality. The consequence of ignoring this lesson is "fire and blood and anguish." This is an anti-war play; Priestley shows that businessmen profited from war, which is the logical outcome of capitalism. The final tragedy occurs when Gerald proves the Inspector was a hoax, allowing the Birlings to deny responsibility. Although Eric sides with the Inspector, "It's still the same rotten story," Priestley has discredited him, making his change unconvincing. Sheila, however, insists the hoax "doesn't make any real difference" and urges social responsibility. But patriarchal control makes this impossible. Birling ridicules his children: "The famous younger generation...they can't even take a joke." Priestley shows the ruling classes view their workers with contempt. Sheila repeats the Inspector’s warning of "fire and blood and anguish" and demands a fairer society, but she is powerless. When Gerald asks, "What about this ring?" Sheila knows her only real autonomy lies in marriage. A different husband, like Eric, could be worse than Gerald. Her reply, "Not yet. It’s too soon," highlights that women are trapped between poor options. In conclusion, the final phone call announcing a real death and a real Inspector confirms that the exploitation of women and the working class will continue in a vicious cycle unless society votes for socialism.