The social message of the play is cleverly highlighted using the set, actors and special effects. The Birlings’ dining room is very grand and lavishly decorated, reflecting their riches and status. The room is elevated on wooden beams and surrounded by symbols of poverty – rain, broken floor boards and beggars. This is to make the house look comfortable and protected from the outside world, showing the contrast between the upper and lower classes. The set is symbolic, separating the audience from the play by using very realistic characters in unrealistic surroundings. The director uses sirens from World War Two to remind the audience of the future results of the selfish materialism that has led to huge devastation and social deprivation.
The actors are very dramatic and physical. At the beginning of the play Sheila appears very innocent and naïve. She appears oblivious to the troubles of society, but through the play, she develops into a strong aggressive and cynical character. The director achieved this change in demeanour by dressing her in a white virginal flowing dress that becomes dirty when she falls, symbolising her fall into the reality of the lower classes and the effects her actions have on them. At the end of the play Sheila’s brother Eric breaks down, the actor illustrates his anguish using very physical movements, such as falling to his knees and attacking his father.
Throughout the first act, Mr and Mrs Birling remain calm and composed even when questioned by the Inspector. It is not until the last act that they too fall apart. This is portrayed by poor figures wrapping them up in blankets, symbolising that they are better people than the Birlings despite their social status. The Inspector is presented as a very angry character, shouting lines at both other actors and the audience, again symbolising that the play is a message for all of society. When he enters, he stands beneath a lamp post, representing the illumination he will bring. He casts shadows on the stage reflecting the mystery and enigma surrounding him.
At end of the play, the house falls and all the lavish decor of the dining room is ruined. This is symbolic of both the fall of Britain as a Super Power and the fall of the Birlings themselves. The director was also trying to highlight the disintegration of social class and is attacking discrimination. He chose to highlight the symbolism surrounding the play. This is done using very clever effects, and from that point of view, the play is a masterpiece, however it is not designed to be easy and enjoyable, as it is also harsh and shocking. It leaves the audience questioning their moral behaviour to their community, which I think was Priestley’s original objective.
