An Inspector Calls – GCSE Coursework

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st January 2002

An Inspector Calls - GCSE Coursework

SECTION A:

Question 1: How does Priestley use the relationships between the various characters to bring out and develop the dramatic qualities of the play?

In 'An Inspector Calls', there are four immensely strong and prominent relationships, which do not simply add dramatic effect, but are responsible for making the play work at all. These are the relationship between the Birling family members, the relationship between the Birlings and other people, most importantly the Crofts, the relationship between Shelia and Gerald, and, less specifically, the relationship between the different social classes. The relationship between the Birling family (in particular the parents) and the Inspector is also part of the relationship between social classes. The way that the parents treat their children in the Birling family creates great misunderstanding and distrust between them. Arthur Birling's great preoccupation with his social standing and the way in which he and his family are viewed by the Crofts makes him develop a great likeness for Gerald. Finally, the way in which the Birling parents look down upon the Inspector and try from the outset to assert their authority over him creates dramatic tension when he overrules and belittles them. These points will all be detailed on later.

The Birling household has a definite feudal system, or at least in the mind of Author Birling. Mr Birling is the head of the household, the decision maker, the wisest of them, and most important. His wife is second to him, except when it comes to management of the house, and other such female affairs of course. His wife however is of a higher social class, and Birling, his wife and the audience know that. Later in the play, when Mrs Birling is attempting to assert her class supremacy over the Inspector this is shown, and creates drama within the household. The two children are equals, for although Shelia is the eldest, Eric is Birlings only make heir, and he seeks to shape him into a fit one. 'Just let me finish, Eric. You've got a lot to learn yet.' The Birling parents also assume a great deal about their children, and are very biased towards them. You could say this about nearly all parents, however, but the Birlings automatically assume the best of their children, and instantly dismiss thought of their wrongdoing. They do this not through parental admiration, but through simple ignorance. For example, Birling and Gerald, when talking about the possibility of Birling being knighted, joke about Eric getting into trouble:
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'(Lightly) Unless Eric's been up to something. (Nodding confidentially to Birling.) And that would be awkward, wouldn't it?'

The Birling children, although they have respect for their parents, which is proved by the way they are silenced by Birling in the beginning, often correct them. 'I'm sorry, Daddy. Actually I was listening.' Most notably, Shelia corrects Birling on many occasions. 'I'd hate you to know all about port - like one of those purple faced old men.' 'But then you don't know all about port.'

Because of the ignorance that they have of their children, ...

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