Dramatic Techniques Flashcards
The Writer's Technique
Briefly explain what the mood is like at each of these points in the play:
a) At the start of Act One
b) Just before the
Inspector’s final speech
c) After Gerald’s phone call
to the infirmary
a) Relaxed and happy - the Birlings are enjoying a family meal and
are often “smiling”.
b) Tense and heated - Eric and his parents are shouting at each other
angrily.
c) Relieved and delighted - Arthur gives a “huge sigh of relief” and
speaks “triumphantly” about how the Inspector’s story wasn’t true.
Arthur, Sybil and Gerald make drinks and start to relax, although
Sheila and Eric still feel guilty.
What makes the end of Act Two a cliffhanger?
At the end of Act Two, Eric appears just as his parents and the audience have discovered that he was the father of Eva / Daisy’s child. However, the curtain falls before Eric can say anything or the audience can see how the situation will develop.
How does Priestley use the Inspector’s photograph of Eva / Daisy to increase the tension in the play?
Priestley uses the Inspector’s photograph to build tension by having the Inspector show it to characters one at a time. This makes the photograph appear mysterious and creates tension for the audience because they don’t ever get to see it.
At the start of the play, the Birlings are “seated at the table” together. When the Inspector leaves, they are spread across the room “staring, subdued and wondering”.
How does this reflect the effect the Inspector’s visit has on the family?
The fact that the family are spread out, with some seated and some standing, suggests that the Inspector’s visit has divided them and disrupted the seemingly happy family unit. This, combined with their silence, also reflects the fact that the Inspector has shown them that they’re not the polite, civilised family they thought they were.
What sound effects does Priestley use to add drama when characters enter and exit the Birlings’ house?
A door slams when characters enter or leave the house. When the Inspector and Gerald arrive, the doorbell rings and the characters and he audience have to wait to see who it is.
Why does Priestley choose to have Sheila and Gerald alone on stage just before the end of Act One?
This allows Priestley to bring the focus onto Gerald and Sheila’s relationship as it comes under strain. The audience can then see how they speak to each when they’re alone.
What is the effect of Sybil entering “self-confidently” in Act Two?
This makes Sybil seem foolish and makes the atmosphere slightly uncomfortable. This is because Sybil thinks she is in control, but the audience senses that she is about to come into conflict with the Inspector, who is likely to challenge her self-confidence.
Why do you think Priestley chooses to ‘freeze’ the action between each act?
Explain your answer.
Freezing the action maintains the tension and builds anticipation. The audience is given time to wonder what will happen next, but there is no escape for the characters as they are thrown back into the action of the play where it left off.
How does the order in which the Inspector questions the characters make the play more dramatic for the audience?
- Questioning the characters one at a time adds drama as the audience has to wait to
get the full picture as the mystery is slowly unravelled. - Eric’s strange behaviour and the Inspector asking where he is hints that he is guilty of
something. Questioning him last allows the play to build to a dramatic climax.
