Throughout the play, the ‘Inspector’s’ ‘massiveness, purposefulness and solidity’ are very noticeable. One key moment is where the ‘Inspector’ enters the Birling’s house, at the very beginning of act 1. He creates a very big entrance through his stance and expressions. This is when the scene becomes powerfully set. The Birling family are all sat together at a table in the middle of the lounge and the stage directions of the ‘Inspector’ creates a very atmospheric surrounding. Mr Birling first starts the conversation by asking the ‘Inspector’ to sit down with him and have a drink of Port. The ‘Inspector’ sits down opposite Mr. Birling as if to make him equal to the others. However, the ‘Inspector’ refuses to take a glass of alcohol which really sets his character and shows how serious and adamant he is about his job. The audience’s first impression of the ‘ Inspector’ as he enters the scene, is that he is a ‘Solid’, all knowing, powerful person, and his stance creates power towards the Birling family (the ‘Inspector’ standing next to the doorway). This creates the effect of him being higher than they are, also in the stage directions whilst the ‘Inspector’ enters, the colour changes into intimate lights – dark, hard colours. This effect creates secrecy and also shows that the ‘Inspector’ is completely in control of the situation. The ‘Inspector’ is very economical with his words and blunt, because he wants to be shocking towards the others. This creates power and has an impact effective for his character.
The change of atmosphere is highly noticeable at the start of act 1 Due to the engagement of two young members of different families. The atmosphere is bubbly, happy and filled with excitement. But after the ‘Inspector’s’ arrival, the atmosphere changes to a dull, dark, almost secretive surrounding. This effect is the main key idea towards the play that really sets his character throughout the rest of the play. Another key subject that all the audience can notice is the change of attitude in all the characters. For example, Mr Birling’s’ attitude was very joyful and happy, but then you suddenly notice that it changes to an anxious, impatient attitude – (After a pause, with a touch of impatience) “Well, what is it then?” – This is a quote used by Mr. Birling, which is particularly a sharp, quick bit of speech. This small part of script proves evidence for the impatient and also anxiousness in Mr. Birling’s confidence.
At the beginning of act 1, whilst the family are together and enjoying the engagement party, Mr. Birling uses some dramatic irony in his speech. I.e., “Just because the Kaiser makes a speech or two, or a few German Officers have too much to drink and begin talking nonsense; you’ll hear some people say that war’s inevitable. And to that I say – Fiddlesticks! The Germans don’t want war. Nobody wants war, except some half – civilized folks at the Balkans. And why? There’s too much at stake these days, everything to lose and nothing to gain by war.” This is a part of dramatic irony that Mr. Birling uses in his speech to the happy couple at the end of page 6. As we all know two wars did break out and Mr. Birling’s character is one that thinks he knows all and no correction is needed. But this sense of Dramatic Irony creates a big effect – this shows that the families back in the 1912 were subliminal to their surroundings.
Another sense of dramatic irony is when Mr. Birling talks about the Titanic on page 7. – “The Titanic – she sails next week – forty six thousand eight hundred tons – forty six thousand eight hundred tons – New York in five days – and every luxury – and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable.” This quote that Mr. Birling uses proves my opinion of him being totally unaware of his social surroundings.
There are many other key moments that take place in the play. For example – near the ending of act 1 – when the ‘Inspector’ introduces the photograph of Eva Smith, he only shows it to Sheila and refuses to produce it to the other members of the Birling family. This shows that the ‘Inspector’ is in control once again and is purposeful. (The Inspector puts the photograph back into his pocket and stares after her. The other three stare in amazement for a moment.) These stage directions show how his character is filled with ‘solidity and massiveness’. One key thing that the ‘Inspector’ has in his character is the way he can manipulate people. He alters the reactions of the Birling family in particular stages of the play. His reactions to doing this create fear to develop in all the other characters.
There are also many other key moments during act 2 – for example – when Sheila quotes about a wall being in between the Birling family and the ‘Inspector’. – “That’s what I meant by when I talked about building up a wall that’s sure to be knocked flat. It makes it all harder to bear.” When Sheila speaks about this wall, it has a two way meaning to it. That basically if the Birling family tries to divide them away from being like the ‘Inspector’ or on the same level as the ‘Inspector’, then he will successfully breaks it down. The other meaning is that if the Birling family try to put a wall between them and the ‘Inspector’, knowing that they have done nothing wrong and that they have no reason to be on the same level as the ‘Inspector’ himself, then the wall will slowly start to break once incidents that led to Eva Smith’s death, will be discovered and solved.
Sheila’s language and attitude drastically changes in ‘An Inspector Calls’. From being all happy, loving and carefree- her character develops into a cautious, scared, frightened and hysterical character. For example – (excited) “Oh, Gerald! – you’ve got it – is it the one that you wanted me to have?” - This is a quote used by Sheila Birling at her engagement party. As you can see, she’s happy and excited, but this all changes when the ‘Inspector’ arrives. – “Yes, but you see? He hasn’t started on you yet!” - This is another quote used by Sheila whilst the ‘Inspector’ and the others are discussing Eric. The audience can already see the impatient, frightened character that has just become of Sheila. The Bilrling’s language highly effects their social position. Their language has to show whether they are a respectable upper class family or not.
Another key moment during act 1 is when Gerald Croft discovers that he got Eva Smith pregnant. Of course, this had a massive effect on Sheila as she was due to marry this man. Obviously, this was a shocking experience for her. Apart from Sheila, the rest of the Birling family was also astounded by this information and this particular subject created a riot. As the audience will surely know that it was to be unacceptable for this kind of thing to happen in those days. Eva Smith didn’t give birth to the baby as it died during Eva’s suicidal murder. This created another big effect on the Birling family as another innocent life was lost.
Act 3 has a few other key moments which add up the conclusion for the ‘Inspector’. One particular moment is when Eric Birling stole money from his father’s account and gave it to Eva to sort her life out. When Mr. Birling discovers this, it creates a massive impact on him and his characters then suddenly becomes aggressive and furious. (Angrily) Don’t talk to me like that! Your trouble is - you’ve been spoilt!” – This quote that Mr. Birling uses proves my suggestion of his character becoming more aggressive and meaningful. Whilst this behaviour is going on, the ‘Inspector’ behaves in a high manor. – “And my trouble is – that I haven’t got much time. You can divide your responsibilities when I’m gone.” As you can see, the ‘Inspector’s’ control is shown and his higher standard can be seen to. He just wants to get through this problem immediately with a quick flow.
The main key moment in act 3 is where the ‘Inspector’ gives his final speech. This creates a massive effect on the Birling family and teaches them all a lesson. “But remember this. One Eva Smith has gone – but there are still millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with us. With there lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of happiness, all intertwined with our lives, and what we think and say and do. We don’t live alone. We are all members of one body. We are responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in fire, blood and anguish. Good night.” - This final speech shows a meaning to the Birling family and also the audience. This speech shows that a lesson is needed from others.
As you can see, the ‘Inspector’s’ character proves to be filled with “massiveness, Solidity and purposefulness”. Throughout the play his character is built up with his stance, speech and actions. I have successfully produced an essay which supports my view of him being in total control throughout the play and him being very powerful in many ways.
