1. Dramatic Devices Learning Objective
To understand all of techniques Preistley uses
Learning Outcome
Find evidence for the first draft of your essay

2. dramatic irony P – make the point that Preistley uses this
E – give one or two examples
E – discuss the effect on the audience

3. the lighting
Talk about the importance of stage directions, in particular, the lighting
Quote
Explain the effect on the audience
However, when the Inspector enters the lighting suddenly gets brighter and harder.
What effect does this have on the atmosphere?
What does this suggest to the audience about both the Inspector and the effect he will have?

4. The doorbell
Door bell – it is while Mr B is going on about the benefits of capitalism that Inspector G interrupts him with the door bell – both sharp lighting and sharp sound used to stop the Birling’s in their tracks
The doorbell finally shuts Mr Birling up!
What does this tell the audience?:
That the person at the door is unimportant?
That the Birling’s cosy celebration is about to be shattered?
Does the sharp ring of the doorbell build tension and suspense?
Does the lighting help to emphasise this and tell the audience anything about the Inspector?

5. The Inspector as a dramatic device
Preistley uses the Inspector as a dramatic device, by:
 giving him the power to control the action on the stage “You heard what I said before Mr Croft” p.179
giving him powerful speeches
creating mystery about who or what the Inspector is, e.g. is he a time traveller, is he a spirit?
 making the play work in three different time zones: 1912, 1945, present day

6. character exits
Mr Birling and Gerald – left alone – dramatic irony (knighthood)
Mr B – establishes his status – then it’s undermined-dramatic
Creates an opportunity for an intimate conversation – insight into Mr B and Gerald’s characters.
Visual excitement Sheila runs out – realisation of her involvement – visual excitement
Mr B leaves to tell Mrs B – defeated!

7. The effect of the end of Act One
Crucial moment – inspector returns and looks “steadily and searchingly” at Sheila.
The Inspector says, “Well?” – the Act ends. The audience is left to wonder on his question

8. Much of Act One – ironic in perspective
Pick out the examples that we annotated in class.