An Inspector Calls: Staging and Themes

What is the significance of Arthur Birling's seating position at the table?

What can be inferred about Eric's character from his seating position?

What is the significance of the props used in Act Three?

What is the significance of Edna's actions in clearing the table?

What is the significance of the costumes used in the play?

What is the primary purpose of the stage directions in An Inspector Calls?

What is the significance of the phrase 'if a realistic set is used' in the stage directions?

What does the description of the Birling's house reveal about their family?

What is the effect of the play's real-time setting?

What is the significance of the contrast between the Birlings' house and Eva Smith's circumstances?

An Inspector Calls: Staging Choices

Priestley provides clear instructions for staging in An Inspector Calls, with a focus on simplicity: the play takes place in real-time and in one location.

Setting and Props

The play is set in the dining room of a prosperous manufacturer's house, with solid, period-specific furniture that exudes comfort but lacks coziness, hinting at the Birlings' superficial façade.
Props mentioned in the stage directions, such as champagne glasses, port, and cigars, highlight the family's wealth and luxury.

Staging Instructions

Priestley allows for creative freedom in staging, with the option to use realistic or non-realistic sets, enabling different productions to add unique atmospheres to the play.
Specific instructions for Act 3 include a small table with a telephone, emphasizing the importance of props at specific points in the play.

Character Placement and Costumes

The seating arrangement at the dinner table reflects character traits: Arthur's position at the head of the table signifies his self-importance, while his distance from his wife implies emotional distance.
Eric's placement downstage, apart from the rest of the family, hints at his secrecy and potential guilt.
The Birlings' evening dresses, including the men's tails and white ties, demonstrate their wealth and social status.

Explore the staging choices in J.B. Priestley's play An Inspector Calls, including the use of real-time and a single location. Analyze the role of props in highlighting themes.