C/W
May 2023
Dramatic Devices in Act 1
LOs:
• To finish reading and annotating Act 1
• To understand how Priestley uses dramatic devices to construct this scene and
maintain tension
Starter:
Writers create tension in order to make the
reader want to read on. Tension is when there is a build-up
in the story. It is the moment you know something big
is about to happen. Can you think of moments of
tension that you experienced when watching a TV show?
Homework
1) Answer the following question – How does Priestley use dramatic devices to construct the opening scene
and maintain tension? (2 paragraphs minimum).
Readers:
Arthur Birling
Sheila Birling
Eric Birling
Gerald Croft
Inspector Goole
Stage Directions
Read up to the end of Act 1
As we read, focus: How
is dramatic tension
being built up here?
Fill out the chart below using the glossary of dramatic techniques you have been given.
Example
Dramatic Device
Birling: ...so long as we behave ourselves, don't get Dramatic Irony
into the police court or start a scandal – eh?
We hear the sharp ring of a front doorbell. BIRLING
stops to listen.
Eric: (involuntarily) My God!
Inspector: They did everything they could for her at
the infirmary, but she died. Suicide, of course.
Birling: (sharply staring at him) What’s the matter
with you?
Eric: He could. He could have kept her on instead
of throwing her out.
Sheila: Because I was in a furious temper.
Inspector: Well? (ACT 1 ENDS)
Impact on the audience
Answers. But remember- some of the below examples can also be viewed as different techniques- it is
down to interpretation.
Example
Dramatic Device
Birling: ...so long as we behave ourselves, don't get
into the police court or start a scandal – eh?
Dramatic Irony
We hear the sharp ring of a front doorbell. BIRLING
stops to listen.
Interruption
Eric: (involuntarily) My God!
Foreshadowing
Inspector: They did everything they could for her at
the infirmary, but she died. Suicide, of course.
Pathos
Birling: (sharply staring at him) What’s the matter
with you?
Conflict
Eric: He could. He could have kept her on instead of Repetition
throwing her out.
Sheila: Because I was in a furious temper.
Change in fluency of character's speech.
Inspector: Well? (ACT 1 ENDS)
Pauses/cliffhangers
Demonstrate new understanding
Impact on the audience
It is clear to the audience who the
victim of the play is – feel it is urgent
to find who is responsible.
Realistic speech and shows that Eric is
uncertain.
Plan your homework answer
Identify the dramatic
device being used. You can
refer to your dramatic
techniques table
Select which quotes you
will use in your answer
AO3 – Context
How does Priestley
use dramatic devices
to construct the
opening act and
maintain tension?
Is there a theme?
What is the effect of the
dramatic device?
Review and Reflect
How does Priestley use dramatic devices to construct this
scene and maintain tension?
• Follow the PETAL structure
• Make sure to embed your quotes
• Zoom in on a word in your quote and explain what it adds to the overall
meaning
• Link to the context/theme (AO3)
Sentence Starters:
Priestley uses … to construct tension and suspense in the opening scene.
For example, when (character) says… / when the stage directions stage…
Priestley uses this dramatic technique to (explain effect on the audience)
This suggests/emphasises/creates the impression that…
This conveys Priestley’s view that…
Plenary
Talk to your partner: Which moment of ACT 1 has the most
dramatic tension? Why?