In order to engage the audience and further the ideas in J.B. Priestley’s play An Inspector Calls, mystery and suspense are crucial. Priestley uses a range of theatrical methods and strategies to establish and maintain this tone throughout the play.

1. The Arrival of the Inspector

Inspector Goole’s arrival is a pivotal moment that sets the tone for the play. His entrance is initially shrouded in mystery. Everything is joyful and the Birling family is partying until the Inspector arrives. Sheila claims that his “quiet” and “sudden” arrival disrupts their joyful gathering. His sudden appearance creates tension right away, raising questions about his identity and motivation.

2. Unfolding Secrets

The Inspector interviews each character, revealing hidden facts and secrets. The spectator learns, for example, that Mr. Birling is a strong man who prioritizes money above people when the Inspector questions him about his role in Eva Smith’s dismissal. The revelation that Eric had a romantic involvement with Eva and that Sheila had fired her adds complexity to the situation. Each character’s unwillingness to accept responsibility for their errors heightens the tension. The Inspector’s statement, “You’re not telling me the truth,” leaving the viewer unsure of each character’s level of knowledge and involvement.

3. The Use of Dramatic Irony

Priestley uses dramatic irony to heighten the suspense. Because the audience knows the Inspector’s actual intentions, tension builds as they watch the Birling family battle to keep their secrets. For example, Mr. Birling asserts with audacity that “the Titanic… is unsinkable,” despite the audience’s knowledge of the ship’s dreadful fate. As viewers wait to see how the Inspector will expose the characters’ wrongdoings, this irony heightens the drama by highlighting their hubris and naivete.

4. The Inspector’s Mysterious Nature

Inspector Goole’s demeanor alone heightens the play’s intrigue. His moniker, “Goole,” evokes a ghostly presence, and it’s difficult to determine who he is. The audience is left guessing about his goals and genuine identity because he appears to be well-versed in each character’s life. When he tells them, “We are all responsible for each other,” he suggests that he has a moral consciousness, but it is still unclear what his true nature is.

5. Building Tension Through Structure

The format of the play also adds to the excitement. The tension rises with each act that uncovers new facts throughout the Inspector’s interrogation. The characters’ quick but sharp exchanges heighten the drama. Eric’s statement, for instance, “You don’t comprehend! All of us played a part in her demise. The intensity of his speech adds to the tension and piques the audience’s interest in seeing how the others will react.

6. Climactic Revelations

The tension increases as the Inspector divulges more details about Eva Smith’s life. The revelation that Eva was expecting Eric’s child shocks both the audience and the characters, increasing the emotional impact and raising the stakes. The Inspector’s composure in the face of chaos heightens the suspense as the audience wonders how the Birling family will handle the growing evidence against them.

7. The Final Twist

The stunning revelation at the play’s end that a police inspector is visiting to question the family over a child who recently died after ingesting disinfectant keeps the tension high. The audience is left feeling uneasy and shocked by the last words, “But obviously, the other person has rung off.” Viewers are left wondering about the ramifications of the characters’ deeds and the play’s themes’ continued relevance as a result of this dramatic ending.

Using a variety of dramatic devices, J.B. Priestley skillfully establishes and sustains mystery and suspense in An Inspector Calls. An interesting and thought-provoking experience is created by the Inspector’s entrance, the secrets that are revealed, the dramatic irony, and the final disclosures. The drama is not only gripping but also deeply moving as the characters struggle with their guilt and obligation, leaving the audience to consider the deeper themes of moral accountability and societal responsibility.