An Inspector Calls - J. B. Priestley :: English Literature

An inspector C altogethers - J. B. PriestleyIntroductionMy aim is to explain a discern cyclorama from the play An Inspector Calls,how it might be staged and to explain the role of my chosen characterMr Birling in this part of the play.This is the key sceneBirling (solemnly)But this is point. I dont want to lecture you two young fellowsagain. But what so many of you dont calculate to understand now, whenthings are so much easier, is that a man has to make his admit way hasto picture after himself and his family too, of course, when he hasone and so coarse as he does that he wont come to much harm. But theway some of these cranks talk and write now, youd think that e preciseonehas to look after everyone else, as if we were all mixed up togetherlike bees in a hive community and all that nonsense. But take my ledger for it, you youngsters and Ive learned in the good hard schoolof experience that a man has to mind his own business and look afterhimself and his own and (We hea r the sharp skirt of the front door bell. Birling sacks tolisten.)EricSomebody at the front door.BirlingEdnall answer it. Well, cook another methamphetamine of port, Gerald and thenwell join the ladies. Thatll stop me giving you good advice.EricYes, youve piled it on a bit tonight Father.BirlingSpecial occasion. And feeling contented, for once, I wanted you tohave the benefit of my experience.(EDNA enters.)EdnaPlease, sir, an inspectors called.BirlingAn inspector? What kind of inspector?EdnaA police inspector. He says his names Inspector Goole.Birling preceptort know him. Does he want to see me?EdnaYes, sir. He says its important.BirlingAll right, Edna. Show him in here. Give us some to a greater extent light.(EDNA does, then goes out.)Im still on the Bench. It may be something about a warrant.Gerald (lightly)Sure to be. Unless Erics been up to something. (Noddingconfidentially to Birling) And that would be awkward, wouldnt it?Birling (humorously)Very.Eric (who is uneasy, sharp ly)Here, what do you imagine?Birling (lightly)Only something we were talking about when you were out. A joke really.Eric (still uneasy)Well, I dont think its very funny.Birling (sharply, staring at him)Whats the matter with you?Eric (defiantly)Nothing.Edna (opening door, and announcing)Inspector Goole.(The INSPECTOR enters, and Edna goes, closing the door after her. TheINSPECTOR need not be a big man except he creates at once an impressionof massiveness, solidity and purposefulness. He is a man in hisfifties, dressed in a plain darkish typeface of the period.An Inspector Calls - J. B. Priestley English LiteratureAn Inspector Calls - J. B. PriestleyIntroductionMy aim is to explain a key scene from the play An Inspector Calls,how it might be staged and to explain the role of my chosen characterMr Birling in this part of the play.This is the key sceneBirling (solemnly)But this is point. I dont want to lecture you two young fellowsagain. But what so many of you dont seem to unders tand now, whenthings are so much easier, is that a man has to make his own way hasto look after himself and his family too, of course, when he hasone and so long as he does that he wont come to much harm. But theway some of these cranks talk and write now, youd think that everyonehas to look after everyone else, as if we were all mixed up togetherlike bees in a hive community and all that nonsense. But take myword for it, you youngsters and Ive learned in the good hard schoolof experience that a man has to mind his own business and look afterhimself and his own and (We hear the sharp ring of the front door bell. Birling stops tolisten.)EricSomebody at the front door.BirlingEdnall answer it. Well, have another glass of port, Gerald and thenwell join the ladies. Thatll stop me giving you good advice.EricYes, youve piled it on a bit tonight Father.BirlingSpecial occasion. And feeling contented, for once, I wanted you tohave the benefit of my experience.(EDNA enters.)EdnaPlease, sir, an inspectors called.BirlingAn inspector? What kind of inspector?EdnaA police inspector. He says his names Inspector Goole.BirlingDont know him. Does he want to see me?EdnaYes, sir. He says its important.BirlingAll right, Edna. Show him in here. Give us some more light.(EDNA does, then goes out.)Im still on the Bench. It may be something about a warrant.Gerald (lightly)Sure to be. Unless Erics been up to something. (Noddingconfidentially to Birling) And that would be awkward, wouldnt it?Birling (humorously)Very.Eric (who is uneasy, sharply)Here, what do you mean?Birling (lightly)Only something we were talking about when you were out. A joke really.Eric (still uneasy)Well, I dont think its very funny.Birling (sharply, staring at him)Whats the matter with you?Eric (defiantly)Nothing.Edna (opening door, and announcing)Inspector Goole.(The INSPECTOR enters, and Edna goes, closing the door after her. TheINSPECTOR need not be a big man but he creates at once an impressionof massivene ss, solidity and purposefulness. He is a man in hisfifties, dressed in a plain darkish suit of the period.