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How Does Priestley Use Dramatic Techniques In An Inspector Calls

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How Does Priestley Use Dramatic Techniques In An Inspector Calls
An Inspector Calls
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Sample essay plan for q.2
1. Introduction 2. Character 3. Dramatic devices *(most important) 4. Social/Historical context 5. Conclusion (Themes.)

Unities the 'unities' from Classical Greek drama are based around three major things: time, place and action

Introduction
'An Inspector Calls' is a play which explores social inequality in postwar Britain. Priestley uses many dramatic devices such as stage directions, dramatic irony, lighting and setting to expose what he perceives to be the ills of excessive Capitalism. Eva Smith personifies the victimisation of the British working class and women.

Social and Historical context
● Play set in 1912 but written in 1945. ● Britain after the war was a time
…show more content…
Dramatic devices
Main devices: Dramatic irony, setting, lighting, stage directions, temporal and spatial parameters (boundaries of time and space.) and the inspector himself.
The play is in 'real time' - in other words, the story lasts exactly as long as the play is on the stage. This gives the play a sense of realism. Priestley says that the lighting should be "pink and intimate"before the Inspector arrives - a rose-tinted glow - when it becomes "brighter and harder." The lighting reflects the mood of the play Dramatic irony is employed to make the audience more involved. (Birling on Titanic and World War.) The Titanic can be seen as an example of human hubris

Timing
Timing of entrances and exits is crucial. For example, the Inspector arrives immediately after Birling has told Gerald about his impending knighthood and about how "a man has to look after himself and his own. The sound of the inspector ringing the bell can be seen as a clear division between the peaceful ignorant life the Birlings once knew and the disaster of learning the truth about

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