How Does Priestley Show That Tension Is At The Heart Of The Birling Family

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

• tension shown from start and throughout between generations
• Priestley wanted to show gap between generations

Question 2

PEA 1

Answer 2

• stage directions: (Beginning of play)
• “Pink and intimate until the inspector arrives” contrasts with “possessively”, “purple faced old men”
• Shows underlying tensions

Question 3

PEA 2

Answer 3

• Mrs Birling’s takes lead of family at beginning
• “reproachfully” rejects Mr Birling after their dinner.
• shows tension between Mr and Mrs due to Mrs Birlings disapproval.

Question 4

PEA 3

Answer 4

• Mr Birling and Eric = strained relationship
• Eric turned to drinking to escape “takes decanter and helps himself” (Beginning act 1)
• Interrupts Birling’s speech, irritant “Yes, I know - but still -“

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

• Tension conveys gap between generations
• relates to today as different generations often don’t understand each other
• shows different generations have different views