Anne in spectacles: A WELL-MADE PLAY

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Anne in spectaclesA WELL-MADE PLAY

• Tuesday, 05 May 2020

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For each character list three adjectives
GOOLE massive
Arthur greedy
Sybil proud
Eric lustful
Sheila vain
Gerald weak
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Exam format

• A choice of two essays
• One will be character based
• One will be thematic

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An Inspector Calls

• What is a well-made play?
• The description is generally thought to refer to
  two elements of the play
• The progression from ignorance to knowledge not
  only of the characters, but also of the audience.
• The unity of time and space within the play

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Ignorance to Knowledge

• Unlike many Shakespearean plays, we are not in
  the world of dramatic irony here in the sense of
  the plot. However
• The references to war and the Titanic are the
  exceptions and foreshadow what will happen
• The audience may guess what is coming, just as
  Sheila Birling does, but in essence, we know no
  more than the characters.
• Each character has their own journey to
  knowledge. We need to consider how the inspector
  comes to be so well informed about everyone.

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Politics because this is what the play is about

• Priestley was a committed socialist. Note that
  the play was premiered in Moscow why would the
  storyline have appealed to Stalins Soviet Union?
• Goole and Birling are both given political
  speeches during the play. Sum up their
  standpoints with references to speeches on pp6-7.
  14-16, 56.
• Can anyone spot the echo in the line we are all
  one body?

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Whodunnit?

• As the plot unravels, we are hooked and wish to
  find out more. Each scene adds to our knowledge.
  But
• There is no outcome, no Poirot-like denouement.
• Instead we are left with the knowledge that all
  will repeat itself until the characters see the
  error of their ways. Why?
• MORALITY play?

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Morality/Mystery play

• Medieval plays to teach the Bible to an
  illiterate mass.
• Clear presentations of allegorical characters.
• Present a battle between good and evil for
  possession of the human soul.
• Characters also represent sins who fight for the
  soul of Man, protected by God
• Greed, Pride, Lust, Envy

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Mum and Dad

• By turns obnoxious and grand, the parents
  struggle to cope on many levels.
• Mr Birling is an unashamed advocate of Capitalism
  in its rawest state. Not above threats and
  bluster, his realisation, if it ever comes, is
  too little, too late. Even in Act 3 he is
  talking about covering up Erics theft of money.
  His bluster and anger is contrasted with the calm
  and massive way that the inspector takes control.
• What do we understand of his foresight in Act 1?

10
Mummy dearest

• Insulted by the theft of her name, she rejects
  Eva, despite the fact that she is pregnant.
• Unable to see what is coming she advocates Erics
  downfall
• Dominant at home she treats Sheila as a child and
  seeks to intimidate her and the inspector.

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Sheila

• Seems to realise early on. Why?
• Seems to almost be on Gooles side as the story
  develops.
• Hurt by Gerald, she has the capacity to
  understand she tells him that she does not
  dislike him and takes responsibility for her
  actions.
• We often do on the young ones, theyre more
  impressionable Inspector Act 2. In what ways
  does Sheila fit this description?
• Has Gooles visit worked for Sheila?

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GERALD

• Socially superior who are his parents and what
  do they make of the engagement?
• Seems to share Birlings outlook on life.
• His affair boys will be boys or something else?
• Did Sheila know all along?
• Consider his description of Alderman Meggarty.
• He is able to advise Mrs B. how to behave in
  front of the inspector once again, are we to
  believe that youth confers some form of
  teachability?
• Consider his explanation on pp66-67. Why does
  Priestly write this here?

13
Little Eric

• Weak and treated like a child. Refuge is found
  in alcohol. How early does he guess? Pg 22,
  wants to go to bed why?
• Can we find evidence of Birling treating him like
  a little boy?
• Is he likeable? Consider his own description
  of his treatment of Eva. I was in that state
  when a chap easily turns nasty.
• Pg 57 conversation between Birling and Eric.
  Who has learnt from the visit? What have they
  learnt?

14
Ghoul

• Or should I say Goole?
• Does he seem to be enjoying himself? Justify
  your opinion. Answers RQs, constantly
  re-emphasises the ghastliness of the death
• Massively powerful, he seems to dominate easily.
• Where does his knowledge come from?
• Is he real? If not, what is he?

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A real inspector?

• It doesnt much matter now, of course but was
  he really a police inspector? Sheila pg 58
• Does it matter?
• Are you with Sheila and Eric or with Mr and Mrs
  Birling on this point?
• The Birlings seem obsessed with appearances how
  does this tie in with Goole? Consider Sheila on
  pg 65.