Time Flashcards
What was Dunne’s theory of time?
The categories of Time (past, present, future) were the result of man’s limited consciousness and that all time was eternally present.
IN our dreams we’ve access to an unremembered past / unknown future
With information derived from our precognition (knowing something before it happens) we’d be able to alter the outcomes of our actions
How does Dunne’s theory of time relate to the play?
Inspector investigates a suicide that hasn’t happened yet, as if he knew a dream.
Characters would ‘see’ what they did to Eva and how they were responsible for her death
They would change they behaviour and alter 2nd edition (when they wake up?)
What is Ouspensky’s theory of time?
When we died we returned to the place we started at and lived our life all over again
IF we learnt from our previous life’s mistakes and made significant changes
The circle of life would become a spiral that would eventually free us from a repetitive matter
How does Ouspensky’s theory of time relate to the play?
The play is didactic - its purpose is to teach us about the importance of responsibility
Will the Birling family learn from their experience of first investigation when it comes to the second? Will they be freed from their mistakes?
Question is left answered so the audience can consider what would happen - they could also (upper classes) consider changing their own ways in society
What does Time allow Priestley to do?
Present his socialist message as it allows him to show what is wrong in the Birling family and what is needed for change
