1. Writer’s techniques: Dramatic irony
LO: To explain how Priestley uses dramatic irony for effect.
KW: Dramatic irony, characterisation

2. KEY WORD: DRAMATIC IRONY
Dramatic Irony is when the audience or reader knows more than a character.
During our class reading, think about how Priestly uses dramatic irony effectively through Mr Birling’s speech.

3. What do we learn about the Birlings?
What do you think about Mr Birling so far?
How does Priestley present Mr Birling’s relationship with the other family members?
Do you agree that Mr Birling is meant to be a character we immediately like? Why?
Mini-plenary: Targeted questioning
TASK: Write down all the wrong predictions that Mr Birling makes in his speech

4. Resource Booklets
Look at the section on dramatic irony and explain how the points of Birling’s speech link to the context.

5. SILENT WRITING TASK
How does Priestly use dramatic irony to explore Birling’s attitudes to the future and the progress he foresees?

6. PLENARY If the answer is dramatic irony, what could the question be?
(2 questions each)