An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls - Genre and First Impressions

Jul 3, 2020

Mr Brzezicki discusses the genre conventions in 'An Inspector Calls' and how J. B. Priestley breaks them. They explore the play's focus on suicide over murder, the introduction of a supernatural character, and societal norms. The podcast also looks at the play's deviation from naturalistic theater, initial character impressions, and the themes of order and catharsis in crime stories.

29:49

Creator website

Episode guests

Brzezicki

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

'An Inspector Calls' challenges genre conventions by showcasing a suicide instead of a murder, conveying a message about shared responsibility.

The play initially aligns with naturalistic expectations but introduces a supernatural element through the inspector's abilities, adding complexity to the narrative.

Deep dives

The Genre of a Who Done It and the Breaking of Rules

The podcast delves into the genre of a Who Done It, a popular form of crime story in the middle of the 20th century, often set in a confined environment with a detective solving a crime. However, 'An Inspector Calls' subverts this genre by showcasing a suicide rather than a murder, challenging the standard conventions. Priestley uses this deviation to convey a message about shared responsibility and the impacts of individual actions on others.

Introduction

3min

Breaking Conventions in 'An Inspector Calls'

13min

Breaking Societal Norms through Suicide in 'An Inspector Calls'

8min

Exploring the Genre of Plays in 1912: The Concept of 'Well-Made Plays'

2min

Exploring the Themes of Order and Catharsis in Crime Stories and 'An Inspector Calls'

3min

Ms MacDonald is joined once again by Mr Brzezicki to discuss the importance of genre when analysing An Inspector Calls. This podcast looks at the genre conventions that J. B. Priestley conforms to in the writing of the play alongside the conventions that he expertly augments and manipulates. Discussed throughout this podcast as well is the way in which genre affects our understanding of the individual characters and our first impressions as the curtains are drawn.

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