Dramatic tension

Question 1

Before the Inspector arrives

Answer 1

• a smug, self-assured family
• cracks in the veneer of respectability
• tension between father son, mother daughter
• Gerald’s suspicious sycophancy and obsequiousness

Question 2

During the Inspector’s visit

Answer 2

• series of episodes, each one building to a min-climax and revelation - demonstrating the underlying moral corruption of the family
• non-sequential order of these narratives keeps audience on the edge of seat for the missing episode of Eric

Question 3

After the Inspector leaves

Answer 3

• mystery of the Inspector’s identity, building to the climax of the first phone call; the silence on stage as we wait.
• mystery of Eva Smith’s identity, builds in a similar way and to the same dramatic device of the second phone call
• grotesque fallout and discomfort building to final phone call