Yet again we can learn more about the issues in England at the time, by the language J.B Preistly uses in the play. Certain words used make the play seem more realistic and again relates to England at the time. For example the word “Squiffy” is used instead of “drunk” to show that at the time, euphemisms were considered more polite and less offensive. Similarly “ladies of the town” was considered less insulting than “prostitutes”.
The play consists of 7 main characters. Mr Birling- a very boastful man who is optimistic about the future. He’s very selfish and protective over himself and his reputation. He likes to think he is intelligent but we soon learn he is not due to Priestley's use of dramatic irony. He comes across as being intimidating, this is shown when he talks to the inspector about how he runs his business. “Well, Inspector, I don’t see that it’s any concern of yours how I choose to run my business. Is it now?”. The inspector replies “It might be, you know.”, Mr B answers “I don’t like that tone” to intimidate the inspector.
Mr B is a big believer in every man for himself. Even at the end he hadn’t learnt his lesson and similarly like his wife Mrs. Birling he refuses to admit responsibility.
Mrs. Birling portrays herself as very upper class, she is very aware of the differences between social classes. She is the mother of Eric and Sheila Birling and even though they are both in there twenties, she sees them as children. Mrs. B won’t open her eyes to things that she doesn’t want to believe.
For example, in act 3 when Mrs. B discovers that it was in fact her son Eric who stole the money she goes into denial. “Eric, I can’t believe it. There must be some mistake.” A few moments later Mrs. B goes onto say “But I didn’t know it was you – I never dreamt. Besides, you’re not the type – you don’t get drunk.” I think this shows just how much Mrs. B has been closing her eyes to things she doesn’t want to believe.
Eric Birling is a very heavy drinker. He had a short fling with the girl in question (Eva Smith). He ended up getting Eva pregnant, which he feels both guilt and frustration over. Unlike his parents Eric is aware of his responsibility and he therefore wanted to give her money. Eric is described as “not quite at ease, half-shy, half-assertive.” He doesn’t have an easy relationship with his father and has also stated he is ashamed of his mother especially.
Sheila is the youngest of the Birlings. At the beginning of the play she seems cheerful, but as the play goes on, we start to see that she is not as naïve as she appears. Similarly like her brother, she feels a lot of guilt about what has happened and because of her jealous actions she blames herself for a lot. Through out the play you can see Sheila becoming more mature and outspoken. This is shown in act 3 when she gets angry with her parents for trying to “pretend nothing much has happened.” Going back to the time period of the play, I think the way Sheila matures throughout the play relates the progress of women’s rights going on at the time.
Gerald Croft (Sheila’s fiancé) is described as “very much the easy well bred man about-town.” He’s been referred to as an honest man who does his job properly. He pretends that he never knew Eva, when in actual fact he’d had a relationship with her. He’s moved when he hears about her death because deep down he did have feelings for her. Just like Mr Birling at the end of the play he hasn’t changed or gained any responsibility which is partly the reason Sheila is unsure whether to take the engagement ring back.
Next is Inspector Goole, a figure of authority. He seems to know and understand everything about the Birlings and the history of Eva. I found this a bit weird, it’s as if he knows when everything was going to happen. For example, in act 2 he says “I’m waiting to do my duty” just as Eric returns. Throughout the play the Inspector seems to be in a hurry saying things like “I haven’t much time”. It makes him seem suspicious.
He comes across quite controlling, often telling the Birlings “to settle things afterwards”.
It is said to be believed by some people that Inspector Goole is a ghost due to his name – Goole – Ghoul.
Last but not least is Eva Smith. She has been described as “very pretty, soft brown hair and big dark eyes.” She is portrayed as a kind person. Her name gives a lot away; Eva is similar to Eve, the first women created by God. Her second name “Smith” is known as the most common English surname. Therefore Eva Smith could represent a made up figure that represents every women of her class.
Moving onto dramatic effects. Throughout the play there are many entrances and exits. They happen at key moments, an example of this is in act 2 when Eric’s entrance is immediate after the Inspector says “I’m waiting to do my duty”. Entrances and exits can give a really dramatic effect and in this play they are crucial.
I think J.B Preistly made the pace of the play go by the Inspector. Preistly made the Inspector control the tension by dealing with one enquiry at a time. I think this makes the play become a “Mystery” because the story is revealed gradually, bit by bit.
Sound effects can give a really dramatic effect to a play. At the beginning part of “An Inspector Calls” a doorbell sound is played which disturbs the Birling’s evening. This triggers the start of the story and also gives suspension as to who is at the door. Similarly the phone call towards the end of the play gives a sense of tension as to who it is. This phone call is crucial.
Another dramatic effect used in the play is a cliffhanger. The purpose of a cliffhanger is to keep the audience intrigued and wanting more. An example of this is in the end of Act 1 when the inspector questions Gerald- “Inspector- Well?” Also in Act 3 when the Birling’s consider them selves off the hook it releases tension; and when you hear a call revealing the real inspector it comes as an unexpected twist.
Finally, the message J.B priestly tried to get across. Like many other plays of his “An inspector calls” involves a strong political message. For example, at the time the play was written, upper and lower class distinctions had been greatly reduced as a result of two world wars. J.B priestly purposely showed strong distinctions between classes to show how important it was for these issues to change.
J.B priestly makes the audience aware of the issues with a women’s place in society in 1945. He uses Eva Smith to symbolize how women were portrayed as “cheap labour”. Throughout the play he gets across his message by slowly making the Birling’s realize their mistakes with Eva Smith.
These are just 2 of many messages Priestly was aiming to give out with an inspector calls. He deliberately set his play in a time where lots of changes were happening to remind people that even though war was over, people still had to work hard at these changes to enable a more caring, fair society.
I think that “An inspector calls” still proves to be a popular play today because it shows many issues that were wrong in Britain at the time. It also reminds us of key moments in history and changes being made for the very first time.
