How does priestly make 'an inspector calls' a dramatic play?

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How does priestly make ‘an inspector calls’ a dramatic play?

        Priestly uses a variety of methods and techniques to make ‘an inspector calls’ a dramatic play. He includes dramatic irony, tension and suspense to create a dramatic atmosphere. The whole play is set in one room with no lapses of time. This in itself creates tension and also represents the Birling family’s separation from the outside world.

         Priestly creates an uncomfortable atmosphere from the stage directions at the very beginning of the play.

“The lighting should be pink and intimate until the inspector arrives. And then it should be brighter and harder.” Priestly wants to show to the audience the difference in mood when the inspector arrives. It creates dramatic tension.

           Tension building is also used during act 1 when the Inspector will only show the photograph to Mr Birling.

“Any particular reason why I shouldn’t see this girl’s photograph, Inspector?”  This is dramatic because the characters and the audience are not sure whether to trust the inspector. They are questioning his reasoning.  

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           Dramatic irony is used to reveal Mr Birling’s character in Act1.

“Some people say that war is inevitable. To that I say fiddlesticks.”

 Judging from when the play was written and when it was set, it is clear to the audience that Priestly is showing Mr Birling to be an ignorant man who is soon to be proven wrong in his theory.

            Priestly creates a dramatic moment in a hysterical outburst from Sheila. “Why- you fool- he knows. Of course he knows.” Sheila is the first person to ...

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There are some good points made in this essay but some of the ideas are too brief and not explored in enough detail. Try to make links and comparisons to show that you are able to range around the text and understand the point within the whole context of the play. 4 Stars