Priestly uses realistic language of 1912, when the play was set. This helps to give the play authenticity, but also shows us how far the world has come in 1945, when it was written.
The Inspector: He uses mainly instructions and questions. This helps him to direct the conversation and maintain control over the people around him. He is very blunt in the words he uses, and is very commanding and sometimes threatening in the tone he uses. This ensures that he can remain in a position of authority over the rest.
Mr and Mrs Birling: Their language presents them as arrogant and snobbish. They refuse to take responsibility of their actions and will try and shift blame where possible.
Gerald: His language choices present him as polite and correct, but is less accurate and polite when discussing Alderman Meggarty's behaviour towards the girl, showing that he did have feelings for the girl.
Sheila and Eric: use slang, highlighting the generational gap between them and the others.
TASK: Find examples of all the types of speech being used by the characters above
The most important language technique used by Priestly is dramatic irony. This is when the knowledge of the audience surpasses the characters on stage. This is particularly important in two key situations:
- When Birling is making his speeches in the beginning of the play, proclaiming that war won't happen and the Titanic won't sink. Because we know he is wrong, we are positioned to believe everything he says is wrong.
- Mrs Birling's high-handed and moralistic language towards the man who impregnated Eva Smith and left her high and dry, before she realises that it was her own son
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