Structure Flashcards
How does the time in which the play is set emphasizes the dramatic irony ?
It’s set in 1912 but performed in 1945
What is dramatic irony ?
When the audience knows of something a character on stage does not
What is the best example of dramatic irony ?
Mr Birlings speech in Act 1
He talks of how the ‘Germans don’t war’ and how the titanic was ‘unsinkable absolutely unsinkable’
The audience in 1945 would have known of how the titanic suffered an awful crash on its maiden voyage. They would have also known of the crucial part the Germans played in both the first and second world wars. This plethora of deeply ironic statements highly devalues Birlings opinions
How is Mr Birlings speech followed up ?
He also talks of ‘ community and all that nonsense’ where the audience are encouraged to believe that Birling is not of factual use and instead a man who cares for his own needs
Priestly emplores the audience to agree with his social view
What is a good example of dramatic irony at the end of the play ?
Sheila works out Eric is the father however Mrs Birling remains unaware of this and says ‘ go and look for the father of the child it’s his responsibility’
Priestly she’s dramatic irony to heighten the tension and excitement and encourage the audience to pay attention to his views on the message of social responsibility
How does priestly use foreshadowing ?
At the start of the play Sheila jokingly voices her suspicions of Gerald and his behavior the previous summer
This comment builds the tension onstage and foreshadows the conflict to come
