HOW IS THE IDEA OF ‘CHANGE’ PRESENTED IN THE PLAY?

The Catalysts for Change: Inspector Goole and Eva Smith Do Change: Sheila Eric Don’t Change: Arthur Gerald Sybil

Sheila (Symbol of Change) “Oh Mummy” -> This is childish and suggest she is dependant on her parents (before Inspector arrives) “I felt rotten” -> She feels guilty and takes responsibility for her actions (after exposition) After discovering that Gerald had an affair, Sheila gives back the ring which shows she has learned to stand up for her self and be independent “These girls aren’t cheap labour” -> Stands up to her father “We aren’t the same people who sat down to dinner tonight.”

Eric (Symbol of Change) Feels guilty and may drink alcohol to overcome this He offered to marry Eva -> this would be breaking down the class barriers which would affect him and shame his family (this is not typical of the upper classes, most would just abandon the women they impregnated) Sheila: “You’re pretending everything’s as it was before” Eric: “I’m not.” -> This implies that he believes he has changed He and Sheila are symbols of change (change towards a time of community and shared responsibility- this shows Priestley’s political stance and message) in the Upper Classes, particularly in the younger generation

Cliff-hanger Endings The play ends ambiguously Priestley does this so the characters and the audience have the capability to change the way they respond to challenges As the play ends with a cliff-hanger, it could be seen as another example of the retrospective technique, as seeing their changed actions will happen outside of the play as we know it A second chance to see if they will change at the end of the play

Change of Tension (Stage direction): lighting should be pink until the inspector arrives… should be brighter and harder. -> this change in lighting shows how the tension heightens as the inspector arrives and begins his questioning (light reveals dark secrets) It is a Well Made Play -> the 3 Acts have cliff-hanger endings, there is an unexpected denouement and there is a reversal of fortune at the end of the play. Tension increases throughout each act, reaching a crescendo at the end The three Acts are: exposition, complication and resolution, therefore change in tension is shown throughout the play as problems arise and then in some cases are solved

Key Ideas: ft. learning ladder The lack of change is considered ‘pathetic’ by Sheila. It’s ironic that the eldest generation, whom are often considered the wisest, have the most naïve point of view. This also highlights Priestley’s message that the upper classes should not behave selfishly (like a child), and should admit responsibility. A Sheila and Eric have matured over the course of the evening, whereas Sybil and Arthur (and Gerald) have not changed their outlook on responsibility. ‘Fact’ shows that Sheila knows that each character told the truth, and that the ‘fact’ is that they should all share responsibility. ‘Facts’ is a euphemism for guilt. B C ‘It’s you two who are being childish- trying not to face the facts’ Shows that Sheila is challenging her parents, so she has gained confidence in herself, enough to confront her family