An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley Essay examples -- Papers

An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley I am the director of the play 'An Inspector Calls'. I am writing this essay to advise the actors how to portray their characters in the final act. I will help them to deliver their lines appropriately for each character, to express the mood and personality to the audience. This essay will be focused on Sheila, Gerald, Eric and Mr and Mrs Birling. Context ======= The play is set in 1912. The Birling family are celebrating the engagement of their daughter, Sheila to Gerald. Inspector Goole then arrives during the celebrations and starts asking the Birling family questions about the death of a young girl, Eva Smith. She had committed suicide. Slowly, the inspector makes the family aware that they have played a large role in her suicide. We learn from the characters reactions and responses, what kind of people they really are. Sheila, Eric and Gerald realise their mistakes and how their attitudes and behaviour affect other people. Mr and Mrs Birling seemed convinced that they played no part in this tragedy. At the end of act 2, the inspector is questioning Mrs Birling about why she didn't give money to Eva Smith, who was in trouble. The family also found out Eric was the father of Eva's unborn baby. In the beginning of act 3, Eric arrives to the scene. The inspector starts to question Eric about his relationship with Eva. At the end of the play, we discover that inspector Goole is not a real police inspector, and we are left wondering who is. Stage Layout ============ The stage is going to be set out into two rooms, a living room and a drawing room. The ... ... the play he distances himself from the events and finds an acceptable explanation for what has happened to the Birling family. Gerald also admits to his mistakes and Sheila respects him for his sincerity. Mrs Birling congratulates him for unmasking the inspector. In this way, he manages to please the whole family. 'That man wasn't a police officer'. You have to show this expression slow and clearly because it suddenly changed the mood of the play. He knows this will bring great relief to the Birling family. You should be standing quite anxiously and with your hands it your pockets. You should have a grin on your face, and then burst out the good news. Conclusion ========== I hope you understand how to play your part. The importance of the stage directions is crucial. I hope enjoy playing your character.