An Inspector Calls Essay example

Submitted By HEAVENleolee
Words: 912
Pages: 4
Open Document
How does Priestley create a sense of mystery and intrigue in the opening of the play
The play ‘An Inspector Calls’ tells a story about the prosperous middle-class Birling family is visited by a man calling himself Inspector Goole, who questions the family about the suicide of a young working-class woman, Eva Smith. In the opening of the play, Priestley used several ways to create a sense of mystery and intrigue effectively.
Firstly, one way in which Priestley makes Act One so intriguing and mysterious is through suggesting the change of Sheila’s attitude towards Gerald. We see this in page 23 after Sheila told her story about what she has done to Eva Smith in Milwards. She ‘(suddenly, to Gerald) All right, Gerald, you needn’t look at me like that. At least I’m trying to tell the truth. I expect you’ve done something you’re ashamed of too.’ Here, the phrase ‘ashamed of too’ implies not only Sheila felt guilty and shame about what she did to the girl, but also shows that she realized she is not the only person who is responsible, she is completely sure about the truth which is Gerald must has done something disgraceful as well. Creating a sense of suspense to the audience. This can be linked to when at the end of Act One, Sheila has argue with Gerald, she '(laughs rather hysterically) Why – you fool – he knows. Of course he knows. And I hate to think how much he knows that we don’t know yet. You’ll see. You’ll see.' Here, the stage direction ‘hysterically’ suggests that Sheila knows Gerald is not innocent at all, she laughs so loud to show her disappointment and irony to Gerald when he tries to hide the truth. Also, the phrase ‘of course’ conveys that Sheila thinks Mr Goole has a clear clue of what happened, he just wants to break down their defence. Thus, we see that through suggesting that Sheila changes her attitude towards her fiancé because of his suspiciousness, Priestley creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, which encourages his audience to curious about what might happen to Gerald.
Secondly, another way in which Priestley makes Act One so intriguing and mysterious is through suggesting what kind of person Mr Goole is. Inspector Goole from the start is shrouded in mystery. We see this in the first appearance of him. Priestley writes, 'The Inspector need not be a big man but he creates at once an impression of massiveness, solidity and purpose'. Here, the triplet ‘massiveness’ ‘solidity’ and ‘purpose’ not only makes clear that he will dominate proceedings from now on, and he will not afraid of the hostility he faces from the Birling family. But also the first part of the quote implies that his ability to dominate does not come from his physical stature. This can be linked to 'plain darkish suit of the period'. Here the word ‘plain’ shows although he is wearing normal, plain clothes, he still can take control of the situation. His ability to dominate comes from his impressive manner; this is made clear when Priestley writes 'He speaks carefully, weightily, and has a disconcerting habit of looking hard at the person he addresses before actually speaking'. The Inspector moderates his voice and also insists on eye contact to achieve maximum impact. Thus, we see this through suggesting that inspector Goole is a mighty man and has the excellent skills and ability of investigating. Priestley creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, which attracts the audience’s attention to find out what he will do to make this family admit
Show More

Related Documents: An Inspector Calls Essay example

Inspector Calls Essay

Explore how differences are presented in An Inspector Calls and why these differences are important An Inspector Calls is a play written by J.B Priestley in 1945 after World War 2 but was set in 1912 just before world war. The plot of this dramatic play is based around a normal, respected family who are visited by an inspector about the death of young girl, Eva Smith, and how each family member plays a role in her death. This is an incredibly thought provoking and profound play. This essay will…

Words 1589 - Pages 7

an inspector calls Essay

An Inspector Calls An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley is set in the period 1912, the year when the titanic had sunk and the World war one was to begin in two years in 1914. Priestley decided to set his play in 1912 because the date represented an era which was completely opposite the era he was writing the play in. Furthermore, he also wanted to inform the people about the discrimination that was in society in that era and how the time has changed everything. J.B. Priestley was influenced mainly…

Words 287 - Pages 2

An Inspector Calls Essays

‘An Inspector Calls’ begins with the Birling family celebrating Sheila’s engagement to Gerald Croft, Mr. Birling’s friend’s son. In the beginning of the play we know that the light should be “pink and intimate until the arrival of the Inspector” This shows that something bad can or will happen to the Birling family when the Inspector will arrive. We also find that the light change suggests the start of a serious investigation which will make all the truth come out. The inspector’s arrival is very…

Words 1292 - Pages 6

Essay on inspector calls

Yana Volchek In both poems, “The Moment” and “The Storm In The Black Forest” domination of nature over humans is portrayed. They demonstrate in one way or another that nature is always, in the end, uncontrolled. Both poets use ‘enjambment’ throughout their poems, which I think suggests clear, ordered and analytical thought. Also it might suggest that there is an idea that flows throughout the poem. Language in ‘Storm in the Black Forest’ is easy and flowing. I think the theme throughout the…

Words 429 - Pages 2

an inspector calls Essay

Should Scotland become independent? Since the SNP was formed in 1936 it has had a dream that Scotland should be independent from the rest of the UK – an idea which has been scoffed at by many for years since. However, this dream has recently become a much more realistic probability since the SNP won a minority government in 2007 and went on to win a majority in the Scottish Parliament in 2012. During this time they have put forward an approximate time in 2014 for the country to decide it’s state…

Words 1516 - Pages 7

inspector calls Essay

was frowned upon, for example 'girl of that class' this was said by Mrs Birling. Through out the play, Mr and Mrs Birling never seem to understand what is going on, and they think their actions haven't had an effect on Eva smith, this is why the Inspector was there he was trying to make them realise what they had done wrong other wise they would just have to keep living their life over and over again until they take some responsiblity towards others. I believe this is needed as they think they are…

Words 297 - Pages 2

An Inspector Calls Unit Essay

J .B Priestley’s An Inspector Calls N5 Unit Lesson 1 Unit Aims In this unit, you will read the play ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B Priestley and do the following : Revisit the definition of and aspects of a play Learn about the playwright and play’s background Study: Characterisation Plot as well as Plot Structure Theme Setting Success Criteria: To successfully study this unit you will complete: -A series of group discussion tasks. - A Watching and Listening assessment - An Analysis and Evaluation…

Words 4314 - Pages 18

Creative Writing: An Inspector Calls

“Brrrring! Brrrring!” My Dad’s phone blared from his right pocket. “Hello,” my Dad said. My dad frequently received phone calls, usually for work reasons, so I didn’t think anything of the call. I was doing what I always would do late at night, curled in a ball on the couch watching YouTube. In the middle of a KSI video, I heard a muffled noise that sounded like someone yelled “what!” I looked up to see that it was my dad, still standing in the middle of the cramped living room, talking on the phone…

Words 831 - Pages 4

Differences In J. B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls

The play, ‘An Inspector Calls’ was written in 1945, but is set in victorian era England, in1912. These dates are important because they frame Priestley’s story within a broader social context, setting it just before world war I and the sinking of Titanic and having performed it for the first time just after world war II. When the play was set, Edwardian era Britain was a very class based society, with strong and distinct hierarchical levels permeating the economic, social and cultural facets of…

Words 1335 - Pages 6

An Inspector Calls- the birling family Essay

ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY (AS) General Certificate of Education 2008 History assessing Module 1 ASH11 Assessment Unit AS 1 [ASH11] FRIDAY 11 JANUARY, AFTERNOON TIME 1 hour 30 minutes. INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number on the Answer Booklet provided. Choose one option. Answer question 1(a) or 1(b) and question 2 from your chosen option. Indicate clearly on your Answer Booklet which option you have chosen. INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES…

Words 2521 - Pages 11