J.B Priestley uses the inspector himself as a dramatic device. He is used to move the play along. The inspector is also used as a reality check. Before the inspector arrived, the family is very happy and feeling pleased for themselves. As soon as Edna, the maid, announces the words ‘An inspectors called’ the whole atmosphere changes and the family is never the same again throughout the whole play.
Each different section of the play is introduced with the inspector showing a different member of the family the photograph of Eva Smith. This helps to keep the play organised. Throughout the whole play, the inspector doesn’t show two people the photograph at the same time. This is because he wants to
‘ Follow one line of enquiry at a time’. This is a dramatic device because it helps to keep the play moving.
The inspector does not let all of the family know that they are involved. Every time a member of the family asks if they are involved he just says ‘ One line of enquiry at a time’. This leaves the audience filled with anticipation because they aren’t sure which family member is involved in this scandal.
When the inspector first arrived, there was a strong feeling off difference. The inspector was dressed in plain, shabby clothes, whereas the Birling family were dressed In fine clothes and expensive jewellery. This makes the inspector seem very down to earth. The inspector also speaks his mind. He says exactly what he is thinking. This helps to make him seen as honest. This is a dramatic device because at the beginning of the play people find it hard to believe that he is a fake at the end of the play.
By making the inspector leave the room, the writer puts the family in a situation which allows them to communicate to each other and discuss what they have done wrong. This lets the audience see what their personalities are like. Mr Birling, Gerald and Sybil have not changed their thoughts on the Eva Smith issue, but Eric and Sheila have. This shows division between the family. Mr Birling states that ‘ I had perfectly good reason to do what I did’. Not once throughout the whole play does he admit partial responsibility.
The inspector builds up the aggression of his questioning as if he is losing his temper. At the end of the play, his aggression of questioning has become so aggressive that Mr Birling demands that he apologizes at once.