Dramatic Techniques In J. B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls

In this extract of “An Inspector Calls”, Priestley uses a variety of dramatic devices to make this a dramatic and revealing moment in the play. Here, the Inspector is interrogating Mrs Birling about the time at which she rejected Eva’s call for help. It is where the true personality of this upper class woman shines through and the audience begins to understand exactly what her motives are behind running the charity group. Eric is also briefly mentioned as it is proven that he is the father of Eva’s baby.

One of the most prominent techniques manipulated throughout the extract was the use of dialogue. This is shown in the quote: “Mrs Birling, you’re a member - a prominent member - of the Brumley’s woman charity organization, aren’t you?” The use of a hyphen

For instance, “(cutting in, sharply) We do need him here” coupled with “Birling and Mrs Birling exchange bewildered and rather frightened glances”. This makes this moment in time revealing as the Inspector seems alarmed and annoyed by Eric leaving the room. Eric leaving implies that he is trying to escape as this whole play is set in this one room, where all the characters so far have let out a secret. The Inspector’s alertness, emphasized by the diction of “cutting in”, implies that Eric had a part in Eva’s death and he is attempting to escape. This highlights how significant this moment in the play is as the Inspector is shown to know more than the characters in the play, creating dramatic irony as the audience begins to understand exactly who the father of Eva’s baby is. Also, the second quote shows exactly who has power in this moment. This is highlights with the diction of “frightened” as they seem to be nervous in the presence of the Inspector. He is in control, which is unusual with an upper class society. This is a revealing moment as the Inspector seems to defy the family linking to how the Inspector is a symbol of