Individualism

The belief that people should primarily look after themselves and pursue their own interests rather than accept responsibility for the wider community.

When speaking to Gerald and Eric in Act 1, Birling argues that “a man has to make his own way”. His individualism allows responsibility towards one’s family but rejects obligations to the wider community. He mocks collective life with the simile “like bees in a hive”, followed by his dismissal of “community and all that nonsense”.

The belief that people should primarily look after themselves rather than take responsibility for the wider community.

A belief that individuals should primarily look after themselves and their own interests, rather than accept responsibility for the wider community.

Eva’s insecure employment makes Sheila’s complaint consequential; post-war interest in social protection makes the challenge to Birling’s individualism especially relevant. In 1945, Labour won an election on promises including full employment, social security and a National Health Service. The play’s concern with mutual responsibility connects to that debate about what kind of society should follow the war.

The belief that people should primarily look after their own interests rather than accept responsibility for the wider community.

A belief that people should primarily look after themselves rather than accept obligations towards the wider community.

An emphasis on looking after oneself rather than accepting responsibility for the wider community.

The belief that individuals should primarily pursue their own interests rather than accept obligations to the wider community.

The Inspector’s message provides a direct challenge to his individualism.

The belief that people should primarily look after themselves and pursue their own interests. Birling extends this duty to his family but rejects responsibility for the wider community.

An outlook that places individual independence and self-interest ahead of shared obligations to the wider community.

The interruption therefore does more than introduce a visitor. It establishes the central conflict between Birling’s individualism and the social responsibility the investigation will demand. Birling speaks as though his household can remain separate from the wider world; the doorbell begins to dismantle that separation.

The belief that people should primarily look after themselves rather than accept obligations to the wider community.

The belief that people should primarily rely on themselves and pursue their own interests rather than accept obligations to the wider community.

Definition

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE English Literature · 8702

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Edexcel GCSE English Literature · 1ET0

OCR GCSE English Literature · J352

Eduqas GCSE English Literature · C720