Anne in spectacles: A WELL-MADE PLAY Monday, 12 November 2018

For each character – list three adjectives… GOOLE massive Arthur greedy Sybil proud Eric lustful Sheila vain Gerald weak

Exam format: A choice of two essays One will be character based One will be thematic

An Inspector Calls What is a “well-made play”? The description is generally thought to refer to two elements of the play: The progression from ignorance to knowledge not only of the characters, but also of the audience. The unity of time and space within the play

Ignorance to Knowledge: Unlike many Shakespearean plays, we are not in the world of dramatic irony here in the sense of the plot. However… The references to war and the Titanic are the exceptions and foreshadow what will happen The audience may guess what is coming, just as Sheila Birling does, but in essence, we know no more than the characters. Each character has their own journey to knowledge. We need to consider how the inspector comes to be so well informed about everyone.

Politics – because this is what the play is about… Priestley was a committed socialist. Note that the play was premiered in Moscow – why would the storyline have appealed to Stalin’s Soviet Union? Goole and Birling are both given political speeches during the play. Sum up their standpoints with references to speeches on pp6-7. 14-16, 56. Can anyone spot the echo in the line “we are all one body”?

Whodunnit? There is no outcome, no Poirot-like denouement. As the plot unravels, we are hooked and wish to find out more. Each scene adds to our knowledge. But: There is no outcome, no Poirot-like denouement. Instead we are left with the knowledge that all will repeat itself until the characters see the error of their ways. Why? MORALITY play?

Morality/Mystery play Medieval plays to teach the Bible to an illiterate mass. Clear presentations of allegorical characters. Present a battle between good and evil for possession of the human soul. Characters also represent sins who fight for the soul of Man, protected by God… Greed, Pride, Lust, Envy…

Mum and Dad By turns obnoxious and grand, the parents struggle to cope on many levels. Mr Birling is an unashamed advocate of Capitalism in its rawest state. Not above threats and bluster, his realisation, if it ever comes, is too little, too late. Even in Act 3 he is talking about covering up Eric’s theft of money. His bluster and anger is contrasted with the calm and massive way that the inspector takes control. What do we understand of his foresight in Act 1?

“Mummy dearest…” Insulted by the “theft” of her name, she rejects Eva, despite the fact that she is pregnant. Unable to see what is coming she advocates Eric’s downfall Dominant at home she treats Sheila as a child and seeks to intimidate her and the inspector.

Sheila Seems to realise early on. Why? Seems to almost be on Goole’s “side” as the story develops. Hurt by Gerald, she has the capacity to understand – she tells him that she does not “dislike” him and takes responsibility for her actions. “We often do on the young ones, they’re more impressionable” –Inspector Act 2. In what ways does Sheila fit this description? Has Goole’s visit worked for Sheila?

GERALD Socially superior – who are his parents and what do they make of the engagement? Seems to share Birling’s outlook on life. His affair: boys will be boys or something else? Did Sheila know all along? Consider his description of “Alderman Meggarty”. He is able to advise Mrs B. how to behave in front of the inspector –once again, are we to believe that youth confers some form of teachability? Consider his explanation on pp66-67. Why does Priestly write this here?

Little Eric Weak and treated like a child. Refuge is found in alcohol. How early does he guess? Pg 22, wants to go to bed… why? Can we find evidence of Birling treating him like a little boy? Is he “likeable”? Consider his own description of his treatment of Eva. “I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty”. Pg 57 conversation between Birling and Eric. Who has learnt from the visit? What have they learnt?

Ghoul Or should I say Goole? Does he seem to be enjoying himself? Justify your opinion. Answers RQs, constantly re-emphasises the ghastliness of the death Massively powerful, he seems to dominate easily. Where does his knowledge come from? Is he real? If not, what is he?

A real inspector? “It doesn’t much matter now, of course –but was he really a police inspector?” Sheila pg 58 Does it matter? Are you with Sheila and Eric or with Mr and Mrs Birling on this point? The Birlings seem obsessed with appearances – how does this tie in with Goole? Consider Sheila on pg 65.