Ironic Contradictions

With its tightly wound and didactic plot 'An Inspector Calls' is among the finer examples of the play world. While not as fanciful or elaborate as some of the greatest works by masters such as Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde in his style Priestly manages to pull off what he must. It is in fact the simplicity of his work that creates such an appeal, because it touches more at the heart of humanity and society.

The narrative of the play delves around a mysterious Inspector who interrupts the celebration of a respectable British family. It turns out he's arrived to question the family about a girl who just committed suicide and has reason to believe certain family members may know why she did so. What happens next is unbelievably clever and at the same time highly improbable. Yet the point of the play is revealed to be a masterpiece in causing the audience to reflect upon how their interactions with fellow humans could have serious repercussions.

I was astounded by this play in a positive way. It had a good plot, some potent messages and a nice little twist in the end designed to haunt the audience after the curtain descends. Still when compared to works such as The Crucible it came up a little short. It lacks the flowery, elegant style of similar plays preferring to be neater and more clinical. Which at times can cause characters to appear almost robotic and stiff. No doubt when performed this play would rise to another level.

I fully encourage that anyone interested in plays and classics read this. Or at the least watch a play or televised version. It truly is worth sinking your teeth into. If not for the tight, clever and thought-provoking plot instead enjoy it for the very fact that it will leave you with perplexing question. And any work which haunts the reader afterward in a pleasant way deserves to be read and enjoyed in futures to come.