Characterization, Dramatic Devices and Themes Used in Priestley's An Inspector Calls

J.B. Priestley's Use of Dramatic Devices to Convey His Concerns and Ideas in An Inspector Calls

As soon as he enters in Act One, the lighting changes from “pink and intimate” into “brighter and harder”, foreshadowing the interrogation that will be taken place, and at the same time signifying his existence on the stage. the Inspector is described as a man who “gives an impression of massiveness, solidity, and purposefulness”, visual imageries that tone down the light, joyful and celebratory mood of the dining scene at the beginning into more serious one, as a cue sign for the actual play to start. His name ‘Goole’ sounds similar to a ‘ghoul’ -‘an evil spirit that feeds on dead bodies’ or ‘a person morbidly interested in death’(Google). The second definition would be more relatable to the play as the plot is encircled around the death of Eva Smith. It’s highly doubtful that the Inspector Goole has reached to the point where he is highly obsessed with the family disaster, however, he does approach the affair with a great tenacity. Mr Birling mentions the Chief Constable being “an old friend” of his, to show that he has a close connection with the person the Inspector Goole -presumably- worked for, and establishes himself in a higher position than the Inspector. However, the Inspector keeps his “rude - and assertive manner” as Mrs Birling describes him later in Act Three. The Inspector’s unprejudiced and unbiased actions reflect his main role of reminding others of their social responsibility. It also stirs a sense of suspicion through the audience, as they would wonder why he is so careless about his own job. Overall, Priestley presents the mysterious aspect of the Inspector Goole to create a bigger impact on his message through the play.

Priestley sets out a sequence of stage directions at the beginning of the play, he applies them successfully as a dramatic device. He uses the stage directions to show the audience that the Birling family are cold and distant, and how supposedly capitalism has affected their lives. Highlighting he gap between

Social responsibility is one of the main themes in ‘An Inspector Calls’ play. J.B. Priestly wrote the play in 1945, but set it in 1912, at the time when there was a strong class division within the society which affected attitudes towards social responsibility. Priestly portrayed this in his play through different characters and differences between lower and upper classes as well as the younger and the older generation in the play. Priestley and the character from the play, Inspector, were in favour of socialism while in contrast, Mr Birling represents capitalism which affects his sense of responsibility.

Written in 1945, J.B. Priestley’s didactic, moralistic play seeks to expose the selfish individualism of Edwardian capitalism, dramatically exemplifying its corrosive effects through the interactions of the Birling family with the working-class Eva Smith. Within An Inspector Calls, Mr. Birling is presented as the archetypal capitalist: patriarchal, corrupt, arrogant, possessive and inconsiderate. Moreover, in particular, he is portrayed as condescending. This is illustrated through his propensity for monologues, talking disparagingly regarding his workers and members of lower classes, his hypocritical double standards, dramatic irony, his view of himself as a self-made capitalist success, and through intimidation towards his children and Inspector Goole.

When Eric describes himself as being a bit squiffy, what he means to say is that he was drunk and had no control over his actions. In the situation, he had become infatuated by a girl from the working class; combine this with his immutable state of intoxication and he ultimately caused the death of Eva Smith. He did not merely “turn nasty” as put, but refuses to leave until his entry is granted.

Priestley’s Main Aim in An Inspector Calls JB Priestly wrote ‘An Inspector Calls’ to enhance the message that ‘we don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other’. This is something Priestly felt strongly about and he succeeded in representing his views through the character of the Inspector in the play itself.

Consider the ways in which Priestley's portrayal of Inspector Goole and the way in which he carries out his investigation of the Birling family and Gerald Croft create dramatic interest? ' An inspector calls' was written in 1945 by J.B Priestley. The play is set in 1912 and centres on Arthur Birling, a prosperous manufacturer and his family, who are celebrating the engagement of their daughter, when they are suddenly and dramatically interrupted by the arrival of the police inspector. The inspector, investigating the suicide of a young working-class woman, uncovers each of the family's shameful secrets that link them with the young girl and her death.

Mr Birling is shaken by the investigation. He doesn’t learn any lessons during the course of the play. When it seems that the Inspector might have been an imposter he is overjoyed and mocks the others for having been 'tricked' by the investigation. Inspector Goole drives forward the drama, with his questions creating shocking moments and gripping cliff-hangers for the audience. By the

“An Inspector Calls” is a play written by J.B. Priestly in 1945. The play, which is set in 1912, illustrates the vast status difference in society at the time. Priestly wanted to show to the audience a more dramatic look at the relationship between the wealthy and the poor.

How does JB Priestley present the older and younger generations differently throughout the play ‘An Inspector Calls’ (45 mins)

see that this is true by looking at his speech and at the manner in

In the play 'An Inspector Calls', many contrasts and paradox's are present and at the centre of them all is the character known as Inspector Goole. However, the inspector is not any ordinary inspector. I believe that the inspector is used as a device by Priestley to explore the wider themes of the play and to depict other characters true personalities. This essay will explore some of the techniques Priestley presents the inspector in An Inspector Calls.

Priestley presents Inspector Goole as an outsider, whose presence creates an air of uncertainty in the Birling household. This is evident in Sheila’s quote, “I have an idea – and I had it all along vaguely – that there was something curious about him.” Sheila becomes suspicious of the Inspector, since she feels that he appears to know an extraordinary amount of details about themselves and Eva Smith. Priestley designs the Inspector, as a supernatural being, sent to teach the Birling’s a lesson and to make them understand their individual actions all lead to Eva Smith’s death. Priestley uses a homophone for the Inspector’s name, to subliminally tell the audience that Inspector Goole is in fact a ghoul. It’s not until the end of the play when

Upon his arrival, he creates, “…at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness. ”(Page 11) The Inspector continues to create this impression as he progresses through his speeches and throughout his interrogation of the family. The Inspector remains confident, sturdy and composed, while he causes the people around him to break and crumble at his feet.