An Inspector Calls: Writer's Methods & Techniques (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Notes

An Inspector Calls: Writer's Methods & Techniques

Key Methods and Techniques used in An Inspector Calls

Dramatic Irony

Priestley uses dramatic irony, especially through Mr. Birling's confident yet incorrect predictions about the future (e.g., the Titanic being "unsinkable"). This technique criticises the arrogance and ignorance of the upper class.

The Inspector as a Moral Force

Inspector Goole serves as a mouthpiece for Priestley's socialist views, guiding the characters (and the audience) to reflect on social responsibility and collective guilt.

Cliffhangers and Tension

The play ends on a cliffhanger with the phone call announcing the arrival of a real inspector. This technique heightens tension and leaves the audience questioning the characters' actions and the cyclical nature of the plot.

Structure

The play is a "well-made play" with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and is structured as a morality play. Each act builds upon the previous one, steadily increasing tension and revealing the characters' secrets.

Symbolism

Objects and characters (like the Inspector and the photograph) symbolise broader social ideas, such as justice, guilt, and the need for societal change.