1. 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

2. 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…)

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

4. 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