The Impact of Dramatic Devices and Symbolism

Priestley employs various dramatic devices in An Inspector Calls to convey his message about social responsibility and the need for change. One of the most striking examples is the use of lighting to symbolize the shift in mood and perspective.

Highlight: The stage lighting changes from "pink and intimate" to "brighter and harder" upon Inspector Goole's entrance.

This change in lighting serves multiple purposes:

1. It symbolizes the harsh reality being exposed by the Inspector's investigation.
2. It represents the characters' uncomfortable confrontation with their past actions.
3. It emphasizes the contrast between the Birlings' comfortable, insulated world and the harsh realities faced by those less fortunate.

Definition: Symbolism - the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

The symbolism in An Inspector Calls extends beyond just lighting. The character of Eva Smith, though never seen on stage, symbolizes the working class and the victims of capitalist exploitation. Her story serves as a powerful indictment of the social system that allows such injustices to occur.

Priestley also uses language techniques in An Inspector Calls to reinforce his themes:

1. Repetition: Mr. Birling's repeated use of "I" emphasizes his self-centeredness.
2. Plosive sounds: The repetitive "t" sounds in Mr. Birling's speech mimic spitting, suggesting his feeling of superiority.
3. Command words: Mr. Birling's use of imperatives like "listen to what I'm telling you" underscores his authoritarian attitude.

These techniques contribute to the characterization of Mr. Birling as a representation of the flawed capitalist system that Priestley critiques.

Quote: "The Titanic is unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable." - Mr. Birling

This quote not only demonstrates dramatic irony but also serves as a metaphor for the perceived invincibility of the capitalist system, which Priestley suggests is just as vulnerable to catastrophic failure.

Through these various dramatic devices examples, Priestley creates a powerful critique of Edwardian society and suggests that improvement can come through greater empathy, social responsibility, and a willingness to challenge established power structures.

Inspector Goole as a Vehicle for Social Commentary

J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" uses the character of Inspector Goole to critique capitalist society and suggest ways for improvement. Set in 1912 Edwardian England, the play explores themes of responsibility, guilt, and social change through the Inspector's interrogation of the Birling family.

Highlight: The play is set during the reign of King Edward VII, marking the end of the Victorian era and foreshadowing the chaos of World Wars I and II.

Priestley employs the Inspector as a mouthpiece for socialist ideals, contrasting sharply with the capitalist views of the older generation represented by Mr. Birling. The Inspector's role is to educate both the characters and the audience about the importance of social responsibility and the consequences of ignoring it.

Quote: "The Germans don't want war. Nobody wants war" - Mr. Birling

This quote demonstrates Priestley's use of dramatic irony in An Inspector Calls Act 1. The audience, aware of the impending world wars, recognizes the irony in Mr. Birling's statement, highlighting his ignorance and the flaws in his capitalist worldview.

Vocabulary: Dramatic irony - a literary device where the audience knows more about the situation than the characters.

Priestley uses Mr. Birling's character to represent the outdated and harmful capitalist ideologies that he believes need to change. By presenting Mr. Birling as unlikeable and ignorant, Priestley encourages the audience to question and reject these views.

Example: Mr. Birling's speech about the Titanic being "unsinkable" is another instance of dramatic irony, as the audience knows the ship's tragic fate.

The play suggests that society could be improved by:

1. Educating the older generation to alter their views for the greater good
2. Encouraging those in power to listen to others and share decision-making
3. Recognizing the value and humanity of all individuals, regardless of social status
4. Promoting socialist ideals of collective responsibility over capitalist individualism