Introduction Who wrote the play? J.B Priestley J.B Priestley Born in he was brought up in his father’s socialist circle of friends. Born in he was brought up in his father’s socialist circle of friends. Priestley wanted to get across this idea of socialism and community responsibility, especially when you think about when the play was written, look at the historical and social context sheet to help you if you’ve forgotten. Priestley wanted to get across this idea of socialism and community responsibility, especially when you think about when the play was written, look at the historical and social context sheet to help you if you’ve forgotten. Why is the play set in _____ even though the audience would be watching it in 1945? Why is the play set in _____ even though the audience would be watching it in 1945?

Hindsight and Dramatic Irony Hindsight is when the audience have more knowledge about the characters. Hindsight is when the audience have more knowledge about the characters. Dramatic Irony is very similar. One example is when Birling is making a speech about how the Titanic will never sink, we know he is an idiot with his own head stuck up his backside as the audience are watching the play after the Titanic has sank. Dramatic Irony is very similar. One example is when Birling is making a speech about how the Titanic will never sink, we know he is an idiot with his own head stuck up his backside as the audience are watching the play after the Titanic has sank. Can you think of any more examples? Can you think of any more examples?

when and where the play is set Look at your Historical and Social Context sheet for extra information about when and where the play is set. Look at your Historical and Social Context sheet for extra information about when and where the play is set. Why is the play set in Brumley? (An industrial town like Bradford.) Why is the play set in Brumley? (An industrial town like Bradford.) Why is the play set in the lavish and expensive dining room of the Birlings? Why is the play set in the lavish and expensive dining room of the Birlings? What about the props? How do they create the characters? What about the props? How do they create the characters?

Refer to the lighting of the room, how it sets the tone of the play. What does the description rose-tinted mean to you? Refer to the lighting of the room, how it sets the tone of the play. What does the description rose-tinted mean to you? why Inspector Goole visits why Inspector Goole visits One or two sentences about Gerald’s discovery of the Inspector later in the play One or two sentences about Gerald’s discovery of the Inspector later in the play This is a Play: They instruct audiences about how man should choose to be good over the temptations of evil.

Mr Birling’s remarks before the Inspector enters the scene p9 & 10 “a man has to make his own way- has to look after himself and his family too, of course… and so long as he does that he won’t come to much harm.” What has Mr Birling said before this point to suggest that he is probably very wrong in his statement? (In other words, why is this comment a load of twaddle?)

Priestley has already prepared his audience for what is to come next, we know that he will not be safe from ‘much harm’ as we cannot believe anything he says. The audience have the use of when they hear him boasting about how the Titanic will definitely not sink. The audience are ready for a or his downfall. There is a lot of after these comments. Priestley uses hindsight as a dramatic device in order to create tension.

“community and all that nonsense” Think about the state of the country just after the war, when they are watching the play, knowing that they have just had to pull together in order to survive the war. The audience take an immediate dislike towards Birling as he is clearly a selfish man.

The doorbell as a dramatic device p11 “a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own- and-” We hear the sharp ring of a doorbell “…That’ll stop me giving you good advice… feeling contented, for once, I wanted you to have the benefit of my experience.” The doorbell stops Birling’s speech; it is almost a signal for the audience, indicating that there is going to be a sudden end to his selfish ways.

“unless been up to something…” This little comment creates tension, the title of the play and Eric’s reaction to these words suggest that there has been some sort of crime committed. “Give us some more ” p11 The word light can be taken metaphorically or literally; light as in turning on a lamp or light as in finding out the truth. Compare this comment to the ‘pink’ lighting on page 1. Have you ever heard the saying ‘rose-tinted glasses’?

Inspector Goole’s arrival “Creates an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness… plain darkish suit.” p11 His description creates a serious character, the word ‘purposefulness’ suggests that he has a job to do and he will get it done. The audience expect this character to create some action in the play. The inspector is a (creates movement, action) for the events in the play. (creates movement, action) for the events in the play.

The name is also a homophone (a word that sounds the same as another) for the word ghoul. How do his actions and description live up to this idea that he is almost ghost-like? What impression does he give the audience? “(Cutting through massively)” p12 Again, he interrupts bumbling Birling, reminding us of the doorbell and the powerful presence he has in the room.

Mr Birling’s attempts to intimidate the Inspector “Perhaps I ought to warn you that he’s an old friend of mine… we play golf together…” p16 This comment shows how Birling is. He thinks that his position in society gives him power, even over the law. Also, the fact that the inspector doesn’t “see much” of Chief Constable Colonel Roberts and the emphasis on his name (the inspector even spells it out), are little hints that suggest he may have a ghost like quality about him. The audience feel a sense of mystery about him.

The photograph(s)? “Inspector: interposes himself between them (Eric and Gerald) and the photograph” p12 “one person at a time, that’s the way I like to do things.” p12 Shows he is very thorough and in control. He is also showing his authority to the Birling’s; they are used to being in charge, look at Birling’s threats earlier. Imagine you are sat in the audience, someone whispers to their friend next to them; ‘what if there is more than one photo?’ What is the reaction of the audience? Also, think about what happens when each person is shown a photo. The audience begin to associate this prop with bad news.

Sheila’s exit P21 Sheila: (staring at him agitated) when was this? Inspector: (impressively) At the end of January- last year Actions are a major part of a play, they add tension to a scene. Sheila’s reaction immediately tells the audience that she had some part in Eva’s sacking, it also shows her upset and worry at being involved in a young girl’s death. Look at the inspector’s actions, what does the word impressively mean?

p21 Inspector: …I’ll show you He moves nearer a light… she crosses to him… These stage directions or actions create a slight pause before the photo is shown to Sheila. The audience are waiting with, they are expecting a reaction or some sort of acknowledgement from Sheila. Again, the use of light refers to the truth coming about...she looks closely, recognises it with a little cry, gives a half-stifled sob, and then runs out Sheila’s reaction is very different to Birling’s. Why do you think this is? The movement on such a composed and still stage adds more drama and excitement to the scene.

Then everyone leaves apart from Gerald and Eric P21 Gerald: I’d like to have a look at that photo now… Inspector: all in good time p22 Inspector to Eric: If you turn in, you might have to turn out again soon The contrast of the dramatic exit of Sheila, followed by her father, and the uncomfortable and calm moment after he has left creates a lot of tension. The words exchanged between Eric, Gerald and the inspector ‘hook’ the audience in, they are now waiting or expecting to see how Eric and Gerald are implicated in Eva Smith’s death.

Inspector’s final commentary and his final exit P55 “Inspector: (taking charge, masterfully) Stop!” This sudden outburst from such a calm and controlled character grabs the attention of the Birlings and the audience. The contrasting quietness after the squabbling of the family creates an ideal atmosphere for the purposeful speech from the inspector. As he speaks to them one by one, you can imagine them lined up like a police inspection, this is a reminder for the audience, how each of them were involved in the death of a young woman before we are expected to make a final decision as to who is guilty. Who killed Eva Smith?

“Just remember this…there are millions and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us…We are members of one body… If men will not learn that lesson then they will be taught it in fire, and blood and anguish.” There is a message for the Birlings as well as the audience. What does the inspector mean by fire, blood and anguish? Who or what is the inspector? How does this speech contrast with Birling’s first speech on pages 9&10? Have the Birling’s learned their lesson?

What are the Birling’s thoughts and feelings towards their actions? Have they learned their lesson? 1. Find two quotes to show each of the family’s reactions. One when the inspector is in the room and another when he has left. Are their reactions sincere (do they really feel bad about what has happened)? 2. Why do the younger members of the family seem to have more sympathy and understanding than Sybil and Birling? (Think about the historical and social context.)

What do these letters stand for? Ali G will help you! P:E:E: