Inspector Calls Set Design Sumary

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  • Set Design Summary
    • Table
      • A large, round, dark mahogany table.
        • Analysis - The use of material that the table is made out of would show the wealth of the Birling's.
        • Analysis - The fact that the table is circular would highlight the circular narrative of the play
        • Analysis - The table is large, meaning that the family are spread out as they are sat around it showing that family doesn't mean that much to them as the large proxemics are showing that they don't have a close relationship with each other.
          • Context - A post war audience would be shocked at this because many of them may have just lost family members during the war.
      • On top of the table there would be a white, satin, silk tablecloth.
        • Analysis - The tablecloth would be stain-free, showing that the Birlings are trying to impress Gerald Croft as he was born into an upper class family whereas Mr Birling married into one.
        • Analysis - The tablecloth would be touching the floor all the way around - meaning that you cant see underneath it. This would show how each of the Birlings are trying to hide something fro the Inspector when he arrives to question them.
      • There would also be 5 carved, antique chairs - one for each character.
        • Analysis - As there is only enough for each of the characters at the dinner party it is showing that they aren't expecting visitors so when the doorbell rings it is a surprise.
        • Analysis - The chairs would be made out of the same wood as the table to convey that they are sophisticated.
    • Door
      • Located in the centre of the back flat, there would be a door made out of dark mahogany, which would have a circular handle with a gold imprinted "B" on it.
        • Analysis - This would show the Birlings status and wealth whilst also showing their arrogance and self-obsession.
        • Analysis - This would be the only entrance and exit due to the fact that this would be the only way to get into the room if this were a real house, therefore following the plays naturalistic ways in which Priestly had visioned.
    • Picture Frames
      • There would be four picture frames. One of these will be hanging on the right hand side flat with the other one opposite. The other two would be located on the back flat either side of the door.
        • The two that can be found on the side flats will contain photos of the family together. These will be made out of a cheap, dark pine.
          • Analysis - This would show how family doesn't really mean much to the Birlings.
        • One of the picture frames on the back flat will have a picture of Mr Birling and in the other there will be a picture of Mrs Birling. These will be made out of a dark mahogany.
          • Analysis - This would show how their social status and the way that people perceive them mean more to them than family.
          • Analysis - The fact that the photos are of Mr and Mrs Birling shows how their way of thinking can't be changed as they have already been 'pictured' whereas that Eric and Sheila's thoughts can be changed.
            • The fact that the pictures are by the doors highlights the fact that Eric and Sheila are meant to live up to their parents expectations and because their photos are by the only entrance and exit, it is just a s subtle reminder of this.
    • Drinks Cabinet
      • I would place a dark mahogany drinks cabinet that has stained glass doors in the upstage left corner of the box set.
        • On top of the drinks cabinet there would be crystal-cut glasses and 2 bottles of half-finished port to show that all  of the family members are drinking.
          • Analysis - This foreshadows that something bad is going to happen because normally you relate drinking alcohol with negative connotations.
        • Analysis - The fact that stained glass windows highlights the fact that the Birlings are trying to hide something as you cant see clearly through the stained glass so that you cant clearly see through the Birlings either.
          • Normally, stained glass windows have religious connotations and this could prove the point that the Birlings have all sinned. The fact that this is being shown on the drinks cabinet shows how the alcohol, which has been supplied to them through wealth, is making them sin. So the message is that wealth is the real problem when it comes to peoples actions.

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