An Inspector Calls is full of mystery and suspense. Show by detailed reference to the text how this atmosphere is created and mantained in the play.

The play uses several devices to keep the audience in
suspense. Firstly, we are aware that the Birlings incorrectly assess key events that are
raised in the play; such as the Titanic sailing and the rumours of war . The reader is
therefore aware early on in the play that we may not be dealing with characters of sound
judgement.

The arrival of Inspector Goole is
unusual and his presence (even the pun of ghoul/goole on his name) is mysterious. The
way each character is interrogated and reveals an individual weakness linked to the
demise of Eva Smith becomes eerily familiar by the time Mrs Birling is
questioned.

Lastly, the ending of the play helps
to maintain an air of suspense regarding the characters and the real impact of the
inspector’s visit. The younger characters had been initially cowed by the inspector’s
final speech, but the older Birlings were ready to question the reality of what had been
presented to them and the validity of the inspector – not of the effect of their deeds.
It is at the very end of the play, when the characters are ready to see the earlier
events as a joke, that the final point is made. Mr Birling takes a telephone call
announcing that an inspector is on the way to talk to the family about the suicide of a
young lady. The audience is left in suspense, as the characters are, as to what has
really just transpired.