What Do You Consider to Be the Function of “An Inspector Calls”?

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What Do You Consider to Be the Function of "An Inspector Calls"?

(J.B. Priestley)

This play has many functions. One is simply to entertain or amuse. The story line is an interesting one which keeps the audience absorbed into the play. However behind this simple front, there are devices and techniques Priestley has used to try and manipulate the audience into his way of thinking. Similarly we are introduced to an apparently respectable, middle-class family; but we are shown through the inspector the ugly, and possibly more truthful side of them. The function of this play works on two levels, to entertain and to educate (or even warn).

It combines theatrical excitement with social criticism, it prompts the audience to look at themselves or at least their society from a safe, untainted perspective. Instead of actually being in a dinner party and putting on these false pretences themselves, they can watch another family do it and draw their own conclusions. It is this new way of looking at things, which raises questions within the audience, but leaves them to answer them. I think the fact there is an older woman, and younger woman. Plus an older man, and a younger man shows that Priestley is aware that similar aged audience members can relate much more effectively to the characters. So younger and older aged characters of both sexes must be included in the cast.

The main function of the inspector is to fool the family into their own admission. The inspector is a mouthpiece for Priestly. The inspector holds only the fairest principles and wants to make the killers of the girl each see the error of their ways. "You see we have to share something, if there's nothing else we'll have to share out guilt." He could almost be compared to the Ghost of Christmas Future in a "Christmas Carol" The inspector is indicating that this is what will happen to the family should they carry on with their arrogant, spoilt and harsh ways. The point is made whether he is an inspector or and impostor, but the truth is that it's irrelevant. The audience can see this, as can the younger members of the family. (Bitterly)" I suppose we're all nice people now" - Sheila. This quote shows Sheila's bitterness toward her parents slithery attitudes. She knows full well it doesn't matter whether the inspector is genuine or not and resents her elders attempts at trying to escape the blame. Mr and Mrs Birling are stuck in their bigoted ways and not one member of the audience will want to be like either one of them - so the function of the play is to change people's ways.
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The Inspector would have to be played by a very cool, calm and dry actor. Someone with neither an upper class accent nor lower class, someone who you cannot class at all. This would add to his mysterious, more other-worldly.

Mr Birling cannot be liked. Our first meeting with Arthur Birling is over a glass of port in their dining room. Sheila embarrasses Birling with the line, "but then you don't know all about port - do you?" Birling ignores this comment, but the audience has already got a taste of his weak attempts at trying to ...

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