How does Priestley build up tension?

Priestley manipulates stage directions, such as lighting, props and setting to create tension. As an example of this, in the primary scene, as the Inspector enters, the lighting is brighter, as though the family are under spot light interrogation.

How does Priestley create tension between Inspector and Mr Birling?

Priestley creates conflict between the Inspector and the older Birlings by showing that they attempt to belittle the socialist Inspector. Read about conflict between generations in the theme of ‘Age divide between generations’.

How does Priestley use tension in An Inspector Calls?

In ‘An Inspector Calls’ Priestley manipulates tension and suspense to give us insight on his political and social views (eg. the class system). He builds up tension and suspense during the course of the acts ending with a cliffhanger, leaving the audience curious and guessing as to what would happen next.

Why does Priestley use the Birling family?

Priestley’s message Priestley uses Mrs Birling as a symbol to represent the wealthier, privileged classes and their selfish attitudes. She sees the working class as morally inferior. Priestley wanted his audience to despise Mrs Birling and the ignorant social snobbery she represents.

How does JB Priestley create tension and suspense in an inspector calls?

Priestley creates tension by making the play a mystery which unravels slowly, entangling the Birling family members. Strangely, the Inspector is unknown to Mr. Birling, who is familiar with the police.

How does the structure of An Inspector Calls create tension?

An Inspector Calls is written in three acts. Priestley cleverly structures the acts so that they end on gripping cliff-hangers. There is also a final climax and then a twist at the very end. This use of structure helps to keep the audience gripped and on the edge of their seats.

How does Priestley present Mr Birling?

In An Inspector Calls, Priestley presents Birling as an arrogant and greedy capitalist, who is driven by the desire to make money (prizing profit over people). Moreover, his use of the word ‘fiddlesticks’ suggests that Mr Birling does not have much respect for those who believe war might break out.

How does Priestley use the Birling family to illustrate problems within society?

In ‘An Inspector Calls’, Priestley depicts society in 1912 as capitalist-ruled, segregated and unfair, using the Birling family as a symbol for all upper-class aristocrats. The character, Inspector Goole, acts as Priestley’s social mouthpiece to portray the idea that socialism is the future.

How does Priestley present Arthur Birling?

How are tensions between social class explored in An Inspector Calls?

Priestley highlighted the inequality between upper, middle and working- classes. Two such classes were the wealthy land and factory owners and the poor workers. The war helped bring these two classes closer together and rationing meant that people of all classes were eating and even dressing the same.

How does Priestley Make An Inspector Calls such a dramatic suspenseful play?

He uses cliff hangers and long pauses to create tension and suspense. He uses the breakdown of the character’s relationships to show the profound effect of the inspectors visit on the Birlings. Priestly uses very specific stage directions right through the play to create tense and dramatic atmospheres.

How does Priestley build tension at the end of Act 2?

Priestly makes the ending of Act 2 dramatic by adding intensity towards Eric’s entrance. This can be seen when Mrs Birling rants and blames the man who made Eva Smith pregnant while not even assuming that that man could possibly be her son, Eric.

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

How does Priestley show that tension is at the heart of the Birling family. ‘An inspector calls’ is a book overflowing with tension. Tension is an enormously powerful device that a numerous amount playwrights, including, ‘J.B Priestley ’ uses to produce suspense and a sense of +dness between characters.

What are some of the tensions within the Birling family?

One of the hidden tensions within the Birling family is the fact that Mr. Birling talking about his business with Gerald at the dinner table celebrating Shelia and Gerald’s engagement, ‘Now, Arthur, I don’t think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this’.

How does pripriestley create tension in the play?

Priestley creates tension by making the play a mystery which unravels slowly, entangling the Birling family members. Strangely, the Inspector is unknown to Mr. Birling, who is familiar with the police. Purposely, Inspector Goole only questions one person at a time because, as he says,

How does Priestley create atmosphere and tension in the play?

Subtle hints given by Priestley also play a part in producing atmosphere and tension. From early on in the play, the atmosphere seems slightly false or forced, just as when Birling informs Gerald that he is too good for his daughter.