An Inspector Calls: Writer’s Techniques

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony is a prominent technique which J.B. Priestley cleverly employs to mock Mr Birling’s character, showcasing his ignorant and short-sighted outlook on life. His insistence that there’ll be no war and the Titanic is unsinkable – world events we know turned out completely otherwise – establishes irony.
The playwright also utilises this technique to foreshadow the impending doom the Birlings are going to face, engaging the audience’s curiosity about how they are proven wrong.

Priestley cleverly uses characters as embodiments of societal issues he sought to critique. Each character represents a certain stratum or mindset within society, hence articulating themes like class, power, responsibility, and gender to the audience.
The subtle yet intentional changes in characters like Sheila and Eric are meant to convey the dawning of new societal consciousness.

The playwright makes effective use of symbolic representation to enhance the narrative. The Inspector, for example, can be seen as a symbol of the collective conscience of society and Nemesis, the Greek goddess of retribution.
Eva Smith, whose name stands for “Every Woman”, symbolises the victims of societal abuse and exploitation.

The plot unfolds in real-time with a single setting, which intensifies the drama and keeps the audience absorbed. The revelations made throughout the play not only develop the characters but also build incremental tension.
The lack of concrete details about Inspector Goole or the final phone call only heighten suspense, leaving viewers with an enduring sense of uncertainty.

Priestley’s comprehensive stage directions play a pivotal role in establishing the mood of the play, offering deep insights into characters’ thoughts, and evoking the desired reactions from the audience.
The dining room setting and characters’ formal attire at the beginning serve to emphasise the affluent superiority and arrogance of the Birling family. As the play progresses and the family unravels, the stage direction regarding their disarray mirrors their internal chaos.

Priestley’s use of monologues provides characters the opportunity to reveal their true selves and beliefs. The Inspector’s final monologue, emphasising the shared responsibility and interconnectedness of humanity, acts as Priestley’s plea for social responsibility.
The dialogues effectively highlight the contrasting viewpoints among characters, particularly the generation divide in accepting responsibility.