Consider: Sequence of Events in Relation to Maslow's Human Needs and Division of Acts. Where Necessary Link This to How 'Form' Is Being Used at the Same Time to Construct Meaning.

571 Words3 Pages
Make detailed notes to answer the question- How does Priestley use 'structure' to construct meaning and position the audience to accept his ideas about social responsibility In his play An inspector calls the author JB Priestly uses a cyclical plot structure ( the play ends as it begins) it follows the rules of classical Greek drama in that it is set over the course of one evening in real time and takes place within the same setting ( the Berlings drawing room) throughout, It has a linear narrative in that action in all the scenes follows on from one another in a logical manner which makes the plot easy to follow and allows the theme of the play i.e. that of social responsibility and how individual selfish actions can impact on others actions with terrible consequences, to come across without ambiguity. * The main characters are introduced in act one as is the subject - the death of Eva Smith. The events leading up to Eva’s death are gradually exposed through act two when the Inspector interviews each of the characters one at a time. In this way Priestly uses the structure to build suspense and to keep the audience interested and wanting to know more. * Priestly uses timing of entrances and exits very well to build drama and suspense e.g. the ringing of the doorbell in act one interrupts Mr Berlings self important speech and when Mr Berling stops to listen creates a feeling of curiosity and expectation in the audience. Again at the end of the play there is the shrill ringing of the telephone followed by a dramatic silence which creates tension and suspense for the audience. * The change that the encounter with the Inspector causes in the character of Sheila is Priestly way of sharing his belief with the audience that social change must be driven by the young. Her journey from childish naive and selfish girl to a self aware young woman is central

More about Consider: Sequence of Events in Relation to Maslow's Human Needs and Division of Acts. Where Necessary Link This to How 'Form' Is Being Used at the Same Time to Construct Meaning.

Open Document