1. The Birling Family
Exam Question

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

3. 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