An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

JBP's plays all contain many themes but focus on power and status. In

'An Inspector Calls', he shows how people misuse these and the effects

it has. Another focus of this play is how people must have collective

responsibility.

The setting of this play was in a room, just one room, and the action

revolves round this. The setting also portrays a comfortable lifestyle

but relationships aren't cosy. The room is a match to Arthur Birling.

It is outwardly solid but underneath the respectability there is a

rottenness, which the inspector exposes through his questioning.

Because this set is realistic, the audience feels safe and this allows

J.B.Priestley to introduce mystery which destroys the feeling. All the

interviews take place in this room and this allows the action to

revolve around the inspector.

or.JB Priestly named the inspector G-O-O-L-E. This adds to the

suspense the audience doesn't know who he is or why he's there. An

alternative spelling is ghoul which means a ghost. One of the effects

on the Birling family is that, the inspector builds up tension between

them by using climaxes, example (end of Act 1). The inspector uses

different techniques some of the techniques are, he makes them give

the game away. He also makes them bluff everything out, and commands

them to answer, and each and every question he asks they cannot get

away with.

The inspector interrogates each and every character differently. He

starts on Mr Birling. Mr Birling is a successful businessman, who has

been active in local politics and has had honour of being lord mayor.

He tries to use his social status to intimidate the inspector. Mr

Birling is pompous, a bully and unsophisticated. It is central to the

play that his attitude that 'A man has to make his own way. Has to

look after himself and his family too…' is discredited by the

confessions that the inspector draws out. Mr Birling feels no guilt

for the death of Eva Smith.

Then the inspector interrogates Sheila Birling.