Priestley's use of dramatic techniques to create tension in An Inspector Calls

Examine Priestley's use of dramatic techniques to create tension in

the play.

Priestly was a socialist writer, and 'An Inspector Calls' is one of

the plays in which he tried to display his socialist ideals in. The

play was written in the 1940's, a little after the end of the Second

World War, and it was first performed in 1946, in Russia, then later

in England. Priestly had served in World War 1, and the terrible

scenes he saw lead to him having socialist views. He was inspired by

other writers whose views he shared, especially George Orwell and H.G.

Wells, both of whom references are made to in the opening pages of the

play.

A lot of the tension in the play is between Birling and the Inspector,

both of who are powerful figures in the household and are both vying

for dominance, creating a lot of tension. This is symbolic of the

global struggle between capitalism and socialism, the Inspector

represents Priestley's socialist views, and Birling, the antithesis of

the Inspector represents capitalist views, which is made clear through

his speech "the interests of Capital steadily increasing prosperity."

When the Inspector is there, Birling is very fast to drop the blame on

someone else, insisting "I can't accept any responsibility" which is a

complete contrast of what the Inspector says, telling the family to

"share the blame among yourselves when I have left" This constant

conflict, which is often at the heart of the dramatic genre itself,

makes sure there is tension whenever the two characters are talking to

each other. This conflict is not the only one within the play. Eric

also takes the side of the Inspector, causing tension between him and

his father after the Inspector has left, this side is also taken by

Sheila, causing a "split" in the family, which can be seen by "I

suppose we're all nice people now." and "What's the use of talking

about. Nobody's brought her to life, have they?" Whereas Birling says,

after the Inspector was found to be fake "This makes a difference

y'know. In fact it makes all the difference." Also the reference the

Inspector makes about Socialism being a lesson we have to learn "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." This is a reference

to the way Priestley thought that Capitalism was the cause of First

World War, which he himself served in, the "fire and blood and

anguish" being a reference to events he witnessed while fighting on

the front line.