Priestley’s plays are very different to traditional detective thrillers, as Priestly sets all of his plays in the same scenery which is different to others. Other detective thrillers normally have detectives following up on clues leading them to the culprits.
J.B Priestley’s play is important because it was written during the Second World War. The audience would have experienced the First World War and the titanic sinking. In the play Mr Birling talks about world peace and the titanic being the strongest ship ever, which is odd because another war was happening and the titanic had sunk. Priestly shows a lot of beliefs during the play, One of which shows that the poor should be equal to the rich.
Most of the characters in the play are interviewed by the inspector who sits back in most of the play as each person tells their story. To keep the reader’s attention, J.B Priestly employs a similar method as before, waiting in time in which the audience find out more information about the ‘mystery’. As the story unfolds so too do the confessions of each character. As the characters reveal their tales, the inspector’s comments are not very keen accepted by the family.
Whilst the characters are being interviewed, the detective sits back. Whilst he is doing this he shows an incredible amount of patients as he waits for each story from every person to finish then argues why they are wrong and his powers to notice each person and make them feel a sign of guilt.
The interview between the three characters Birling, Eric and Gerald, is pleased due to the fact that Gerald is getting married to Shelia. They then are celebrating with dinner as the inspector comes to deliver some news which is a big shock to them.
There is an worried feeling arising by the audience about the family because they seem so secure that they are not to blame, which only makes the inspector more curious.
The inspector uses a convincing tone stating why he has come when he meets the family as it will have a big effect on them. Straight away he has an air about him and decides to makes strong eye contact with everyone. Sheila and Eric are convinced to take the inspectors side and fault themselves. The inspector decides not to amaze Mr and Mrs Birling as he makes his enquiry. As the play went on the insight hits them as they are responsible for Eva Smiths death. As the inspector leaves the Birlings household he then receives a phone call saying that a girl has died. Mr Birling is knocked for six and so are the audience, this shows Priestly left the biggest blow till last.
J.B Priestly uses a cliff hanger to end the play the ‘Inspector calls’, Priestly does this so he can explain what is going on which is a murder mystery and leaves the audience pondering the question, what will happen next? He shows the reader how the Birlings are wealthy and that they are part of a separated society, social class and standings which are of great importance.
In conclusion to this play I feel that the inspector is a relative or a friend of Eva. The underlying message within the play is that you should not be arrogant because you may find it has big cost. The inspector’s purpose is to make each person to feel as if they are to blame for the death of Eva.
