Narrative Structure Of The Plot Flashcards
How does Priestly maintain a dramatic focus, by rising the tension stand lowering it and why does he include the twist at the end?
Priestly uses a simple narrative structure (one plot, one set, one evening) in order to focus his social message.
The drama is intensified by dealing with each character’s guilt one by one, and removing them from the stage when they aren’t needed.
To make the play memorable, he raises the tension and lowers it throughout.
Cliffhangers are used at the end of each act to keep the audience thinking about the events on stage.
What does Sheila say in Act 1 about the Inspector, about the raising of tensions through conflict?
“And I hate to think how much he knows that we don’t know yet. You’ll see. You’ll see”
What does Mr Birling say that raises tension in Act 2?
“[thunderstruck] My God! But - look here -“
What stage direction, as the very last line of the play, leaves the story on a cliffhanger raising tensions? (End of Act 3)
“[As they stare guiltily and dumbfounded, the curtain falls]”
In what way is the narrative structure of the play quite simple?
There’s only one set, the play takes place (without changes in time between the Acts) over one evening and characters are generally focussed on one at a time.
What narrative technique is used at the end of each act?
Use of cliffhangers to raise tension.
What things raise and lower the tension during the play?
Character confessions lower the tensions whilst the family conflict raises it.
What is Priestly trying to get the audience to focus on and think about?
His social message about having personal and social responsibility.
