1. WORDS THEY USE IN EXAMS?
METHODS:
May 19, 2013 1
•If the question says methods what do I talk about?
•Language (formal and informal language of characters shows
what? /Use of symbolism / imagery/dramatic irony)
•Structure (Time repeats itself in play/whodunit gradually
reveals characters involvement creating tension/ splitting apart
family)
•Stage Directions (Lighting/props/photo/doorbell/setting)
•Tone / Style: Satire – criticizing views of certain people in
society in 1912-1945, morality play , whodunit

2. May 19, 2013 2
• For example:
• Stage- Directions
• Refer to the lighting of the room, how it sets the tone of the play. What
does the description rose-tinted mean to you?
• why Inspector Goole visits
• One or two sentences about Gerald’s discovery of the Inspector later in the
play
Style /Tone
This is a Morality Play:
Instruct audiences about how man should choose to be good over the
temptations of evil.

3. THE DOORBELL AS A DRAMATIC
DEVICE P11
May 19, 2013 3
“a man has to mind his own business and look after
himself and his own- and-”
We hear the sharp ring of a doorbell
“That’ll stop me giving you good advice… feeling
contented, for once, I wanted you to have the
benefit of my experience.”
The doorbell stops Birling’s pompous speech; it is
almost a signal for the audience, indicating that
there is going to be a sudden end to his selfish
ways.

4. May 19, 2013 4
“unless Eric’s been up to something…”
This little comment creates tension, the title of the
play and Eric’s reaction to these words suggest
that there has been some sort of crime committed.
“Give us some more light” p11
The word light can be taken metaphorically or
literally; light as in turning on a lamp or light as in
finding out the truth. Compare this comment to the
‘pink’ lighting on page 1. Have you ever heard the
saying ‘rose-tinted glasses’?

5. INSPECTOR GOOLE’S ARRIVAL
May 19, 2013 5
“Creates an impression of massiveness, solidity and purposefulness… plain darkish
suit.” p11
His description creates a serious character, the word ‘purposefulness’ suggests
that he has a job to do and he will get it done. The audience expect this character
to create some action in the play. The inspector is a catalyst (creates movement,
action) for the events in the play.

6. May 19, 2013M MULLIGAN FPHS 6
The name Goole is also a homophone (a word that sounds the same as another) for the
word ghoul. How do his actions and description live up to this idea that he is almost
ghost-like? What impression does he give the audience?
“(Cutting through massively)” p12
Again, he interrupts bumbling Birling, reminding us of the doorbell and the powerful
presence he has in the room.

7. MR BIRLING’S ATTEMPTS TO
INTIMIDATE THE INSPECTOR
May 19, 2013 7
“Perhaps I ought to warn you that he’s an old
friend of mine… we play golf together…” p16
This comment shows how pretentious Birling is.
He thinks that his position in society gives
him power, even over the law.
Also, the fact that the inspector doesn’t “see
much” of Chief Constable Colonel Roberts and
the emphasis on his name (the inspector even
spells it out), are little hints that suggest he
may have a ghost like quality about him. The
audience feel the sense of mystery about him.

8. THE PHOTOGRAPH(S)?
May 19, 2013 8
“Inspector: interposes himself between them (Eric
and Gerald) and the photograph” p12
“one person at a time, that’s the way I like to do
things.” p12
Shows he is very thorough and in control. He is also
showing his authority to the Birling’s; they are
used to being in charge, look at Birling’s threats
earlier. Imagine you are sat in the audience,
someone whispers to their friend next to them;
‘what if there is more than one photo?’ What is
the reaction of the audience?
Also, think about what happens when each person is
shown a photo. The audience begin to associate
this prop with bad news.

9. SHEILA’S EXIT P21
May 19, 2013 9
“Sheila: (staring at him agitated) when was this?
Inspector: (impressively) At the end of January-
last year”
Actions are a major part of a play, they add tension
to a scene. Sheila’s reaction immediately tells the
audience that she had some part in Eva’s sacking,
it also shows her upset and worry at being involved
in a young girl’s death.
Look at the inspector’s actions, what does the word
impressively mean?

10. P21
May 19, 2013 10
Inspector: …I’ll show you
He moves nearer a light… she crosses to him…
These stage directions or actions create a slight
pause before the photo is shown to Sheila. The
audience are waiting with anticipation, they are
expecting a reaction or some sort of
acknowledgement from Sheila. Again, the use of
light refers to the truth coming about.
..she looks closely, recognises it with a little cry,
gives a half-stifled sob, and then runs out
Sheila’s reaction is very different to Birling’s. Why
do you think this is? The movement on such a
composed and still stage adds more drama and
excitement to the scene.

11. THEN EVERYONE LEAVES APART FROM
GERALD AND ERIC
May 19, 2013 11
P21 Gerald: I’d like to have a look at that photo now…
Inspector: all in good time
p22 Inspector to Eric:
If you turn in, you might have to turn out again soon
The contrast of the dramatic exit of Sheila, followed
by her father, and the uncomfortable and calm
moment after he has left creates a lot of tension.
The words exchanged between Eric, Gerald and the
inspector ‘hook’ the audience in, they are now
waiting or expecting to see how Eric and Gerald are
implicated in Eva Smith’s death.

12. INSPECTOR’S FINAL COMMENTARY
AND HIS FINAL EXIT P55
May 19, 2013 12
“Inspector: (taking charge, masterfully) Stop!”
This sudden outburst from such a calm and controlled
character grabs the attention of the Birlings and
the audience. The contrasting quietness after the
squabbling of the family creates an ideal
atmosphere for the purposeful speech from the
inspector.
As he speaks to them one by one, you can imagine
them lined up like a police inspection, this is a
reminder for the audience, how each of them were
involved in the death of a young woman before we
are expected to make a final decision as to who is
guilty. Who killed Eva Smith?

13. May 19, 2013 13
“Just remember this…there are millions and
millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John
Smiths still left with us…We are members of one
body… If men will not learn that lesson then they
will be taught it in fire, and blood and anguish.”
There is a message for the Birlings as well as the
audience. What does the inspector mean by fire,
blood and anguish? Who or what is the
inspector? How does this speech contrast with
Birling’s first speech on pages 9&10?
Have the Birling’s learned their lesson?

14. WHAT ARE THE BIRLING’S THOUGHTS AND
FEELINGS TOWARDS THEIR ACTIONS?
HAVE THEY LEARNED THEIR LESSON?
May 19, 2013 14
1. Find two quotes to show each of the family’s reactions. One when the
inspector is in the room and another when he has left. Are their reactions
sincere (do they really feel bad about what has happened)?
2. Why do the younger members of the family seem to have more sympathy and
understanding than Sybil and Birling? (Think about the historical and social
context.)

15. C GRADE OR ABOVE:
May 19, 2013
15
• (P)Priestley portrays the character of Arthur
Birling as foolish and arrogant when he
describes the Titanic as (E)‘absolutely
unsinkable.’ (E) Priestly here uses dramatic
irony to emphasize Birling’s misplaced over
confidence in technological advancement. The
audience watching in 1945 know that he will be
proved incorrect by the events of 1912.
Effectively this use of irony undermines his other
comments such as… and makes us question his
judgement and nature.

16. SELFISHNESS: MRS BIRLING
May 19, 2013 16
• (P) Mrs Birling is portrayed by Priestley as an
extremely selfish and vindictive woman (E) “She
seemed to be not a good case and I used my
influence to have it refused” (E) Her comments
reveal to the audience how she is willing to abuse
her power or ‘influence’ based on her prejudices
towards Eva and women of the lower classes.
Effectively her charity work is just a mask to
enhance her reputation and alleviate her conscience
like. In my opinion her real motives are self interest
and when she takes personal offence to Eva’s
‘impertinent’ use of her surname she is determined
to get her turned down.