Examine Priestley's use of dramatic techniques to create tension in the play.

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Examine Priestley's use of dramatic techniques to create tension in the play

Priestly was a socialist writer, and 'An Inspector Calls' is one of the plays in which he tried to display his socialist ideals in. The play was written in the 1940's, a little after the end of the Second World War, and it was first performed in 1946, in Russia, then later in England. Priestly had served in World War 1, and the terrible scenes he saw lead to him having socialist views. He was inspired by other writers whose views he shared, especially George Orwell and H.G. Wells, both of whom references are made to in the opening pages of the play.

A lot of the tension in the play is between Birling and the Inspector, both of who are powerful figures in the household and are both vying for dominance, creating a lot of tension. This is symbolic of the global struggle between capitalism and socialism, the Inspector represents Priestley's socialist views, and Birling, the antithesis of the Inspector represents capitalist views, which is made clear through his speech "the interests of Capital...steadily increasing prosperity." When the Inspector is there, Birling is very fast to drop the blame on someone else, insisting "I can't accept any responsibility" which is a complete contrast of what the Inspector says, telling the family to "share the blame among yourselves when I have left" This constant conflict, which is often at the heart of the dramatic genre itself, makes sure there is tension whenever the two characters are talking to each other. This conflict is not the only one within the play. Eric also takes the side of the Inspector, causing tension between him and his father after the Inspector has left, this side is also taken by Sheila, causing a "split" in the family, which can be seen by "I suppose we're all nice people now." and "What's the use of talking about...Nobody's brought her to life, have they?" Whereas Birling says, after the Inspector was found to be fake "This makes a difference y'know. In fact it makes all the difference." Also the reference the Inspector makes about Socialism being a lesson we have to learn "We are members of one body...if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish." This is a reference to the way Priestley thought that Capitalism was the cause of First World War, which he himself served in, the "fire and blood and anguish" being a reference to events he witnessed while fighting on the front line. This last comment creates tension because of the way it is left sounding rather cryptic. It also uses dramatic irony, as the audience's awareness is shown as Priestley is referring to WW1, but the other characters in the play do not. The symbolism of the Inspector "winning over" the household shows how socialism and the working class will win over the principles of capitalism. His name "Goole" suggests something in the supernatural, an all-knowing, omniscient being, possibly suggesting to the audience that he really knows what is going on, and he is always right, possibly a way priestly uses the Inspector to make socialism seem right.
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Actions and stage directions are very important for creating tension, and are effectively used by Priestley throughout the play. Of course it would not be sensible to go through every single stage direction in the play, but there are some which are more effective at creating tension than others. A set of directions that probably create the most tension in the play are used when Gerald is ringing up the Infirmary to find out if they have taken in any suicides. The direction reads "As he waits, the others show their nervous tension, Birling wipes his brow, Sheila ...

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