Dramatic Devices in An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

Dramatic Devices in An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

This essay will show the way that the author, J.B Priestley, used

dramatic devices within 'An Inspector Calls' to convey his concerns

and ideas to the public. The essay also highlight and examine the

dramatic devices Priestley includes to interest and involve the

audience in his play.

The character of the inspector wanted to make it clear to the Birlings

that there was another harsh world outside their rich, comfortable and

secure way of living. The inspector tried to entice the Birlings into

realising that some people do not have the same opportunities as they

had known and needed a helping hand. The Inspector did his best to

place the Birlings into the shoes of some of the more disadvantaged

people. His goal in the play was to make them see and understand life

in the 'real' world.

Priestley's main concerns were with higher classed people and their

ignorance to the pleas of the poor. He didn't like the emotions of

women like Eva Smith being played around with by wealthier people. The

impression given throughout 'An Inspector Calls,' is that Priestley

seemed to believe in close communities and equal opportunities.

'An Inspector Calls,' was set in 1912, yet was written and first

performed in 1945.

The period of 1912 was when Priestley stated he gained much of his

experience. From this epoch he took in enough to perfect his writing

skills. We also know that the year 1912 is somehow significant because

Priestly draws upon a number of dramatic devices within his play

(these devices must be for this year because that is when the play is

set). They did not believe that...

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... exist. Priestley's messages

have certainly reached me.

To be honest, first I believed the Birlings were a grateful, hard

working family. However, the Inspector soon changed my point of view.

Once I had found out everything, I believed that this was a family who

simply cared for no-one but themselves and did whatever suited their

mood. The younger members of the family had been influenced, but they

at least showed remorse when they realised their shameful involvement.

This made me look towards the examples that had been set by Mr and Mrs

Birling. They had taught their children to respect them, but had

probably never mentioned anything about their behaviour towards

everyday 'normal' people.

My opinion of the Birlings completely changed. The moral I have taken

from the play is to never judge a book by it's cover.