An Inspector Calls - page 1
Keywords: An Inspector Calls english coursework.
By Jamie on 25/05/2009
Level: GCSE Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Page Number: 1 of 5 pages: 1 2 3 4 5
How did Priestley make ‘An Inspector Calls’ a dramatic play?
In an ‘Inspector calls’ JB Priestley creates a very dramatic play. Dramatic means, shocking, tense, nail biting and exciting to watch. He does that in a variety of different methods. Cliff hangers at the end of the acts, this helps the reader keep attentive, eager to read on and at the edge of their seat. He also uses dramatic irony, where the audience know more than the actors themselves, to good effect.
The play was written in 1945 just after the Second World War. But it was actually set in 1912 at the start of the First World War. Priestley used the time context of these wars to clever effect in the play, and so some of the events in the story line are written according to the wars.
Priestley’s aim was to promote a strong moral message in order to do this he shocks the audience by using different contrasts in life. A rich upper class family the Birlings and the life of a young woman, Eva Smith. She was left with no option but to live the way she did because of the Birlings actions. As the story unfolds the moral message becomes clear and it is mainly presented by the Inspector.
The play is set in the Birlings dining room and before the Inspector arrives the mood is very contented, the light is low and soft emphasising the happy and contented mood in the family They had been celebrating the engagement of Sheila and Gerald. When the Inspector arrives the lighting is turned up bright, ruining the celebratory atmosphere.
The Inspectors arrival is very awkward for the Birlings.’ The Inspector enters, he need not be a big man but he creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness’. He arrives and spoils the party atmosphere. He does this mainly because he is a police officer, ‘The Inspector enters’. But also his presence has an instant impact on the family ‘at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness’. This effect he has on the family will make them feel scared and intimidated adding to the dramatic effect. The mood has changed from a celebratory atmosphere to an atmosphere of nervousness, anticipation and tension.
The Inspectors name is unusual and has a meaning that relates to him in the story. ‘What did you say you name was again?’, ‘Goole, G-doubleO-L-E’.
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