An Inspector Calls: The Structure of a well-made play

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  • An Inspector Calls is a Well-Made Play
    • What is a well-made play?
      • A well-made play is a popular dramatic genre from the 19th century.
      • The plot is intricate and complex and eventually leads to a climax.
    • What is the effect of a well--made play?
      • A well-made play allows Priestley to manipulate the audience. They do not know what happened to Eva Smith and each revelation adds to the drama.
      • Each revelation is more shocking than the one previous so Priestley cleverly builds to climax.
      • Nearing the  end of the play the characters are unsure of the inspectors existence and this allows the audience to reflect on what happened in the play.
      • At the end where it is revealed another inspector is about to arrive and the curtain falls the audience is left stunned.
    • Features of a well-made play.
      • The beginning of a well made play provides basic information on the main characters, the background and context and the themes and ideas of the play.
      • In order to heighten the suspense and tension, entrances and exits are perfectly times.
      • The 'obligatory scene' is where a secret is revealed. This adds to the drama and tension.
      • The climatic curtain is when an act or scene ends on a tense and highly dramatic moment.
      • The ideas of identity and mistaken identity both play a part in An Inspector Calls.
      • The plot of the play is focused around one major story line. However, complications will be placed throughout the plot for dramatic effect.
      • The ending of a well-made play is both logical and plausible.

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