The Structures, characters and contexts in 'An Inspector Calls.'

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The Structures, characters and contexts in ‘An Inspector Calls.’

Introduction

        This was written before the war broke out so some things that are said in the play are a bit controversial. Things referring towards the war were politically incorrect and how Birling refers to the Titanic as ‘unsinkable’. What made this so controversial is the fact that war broke out and the play was stopped before it hit the big stages and wasn’t widely renowned till after the war. As the play is post war, the society is different from todays. Back in the day of the play everyone was put into classes due to the money you had and this is symbolised in the characters in the play.

        In the opening scene of ‘An Inspector Calls’ you can view a large dining room that is dimly lit. In the centre of the room there is a large oak table and around it are the Birling family and Gerald Croft. It is a typical suburban house with a large log fireplace with an old large mirror handing on the chimneybreast and classic painting hung around the walls. This is the one and only scene in the entire play, I think this is to give a focused atmosphere and is easier to work around. The Birling family and Gerald Croft are all sat around the table in traditional party dress of the period. Mr and Mrs Birling are at either end of the table with Eric Birling downstage and Sheila Birling and Gerald Croft upstage.

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Body of Essay

The plot of the play is well thought and keeps you guessing through out the play. The play kicks off with the Birlings and G Croft at a small party where Mr Croft proposes to Sheila. The party is later interrupted by a visit from Inspector Goole, he explains of the death of a poor worker girl called Eva Smith and shocks them when he tells how they are all entwined with her life and assisted in her death. Through the course of the play you get to see the differences in the way the ...

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