The Birling Family Exam Question

Question How does Priestley show that tension is at the heart of the Birling Family?

Think about: The generation divide – lack of understanding between the generations The relationship between Eric and Sheila… sibling squabbles Lack of compassion and differing views brought about by the inspector The characters are outspoken and do not consider each other Stage directions and lighting Cliff-hangers such as Sheila and Gerald’s relationship problems Dialogue between characters is clearly tense The way the children are treated as little ‘children’ by their parents