Tension in the play Objectives Know how tension is created in the play Be able to plot events in chronological order Understand how Priestley builds tension

Task Plot the play’s levels of tension by placing each of the jumbled up statements on the graph where you think appropriate. (You may wish to number / put the sentences in chronological order before you begin to plot them…)

ACT ONE ACT TWO ACT THREE T E N S I O

  Eric’s entrance Interrogation of Gerald Inspector’s entrance ‘Well?’ A certain unease is hinted at prior to the Inspector’s arrival No such Inspector exists Interrogation of Mrs Birling Inspector’s exit No suicide cases received by the infirmary Interrogation of Sheila Inspector’s final speech Eric’s interrogation Interrogation of Birling Inspector’s arrival The telephone rings