... shows that life and responsibilities for Mr Birling (upper class) are different and easier than the life of the inspector (middle/lower class). The play opens with a scene of great luxury: a wealthy family is celebrating an engagement in a very lavish fashion. The lighting at the start of the play gives us a mood to start with 'pink and intimate'. This creates an atmosphere of tranquillity and romance. Priestley's stage directions at the start of the play are very clear and he knows exactly what he is doing. He is very specific and gives the audience a clear description of the play. The scene itself is the dining room of the Birling's house; perhaps there is a celebration. Mr Birling, Mrs Birling, Sheila, Gerald and Eric are sitting around the dinning table discussing about Gerald and Sheila's engagement. This suggests that the kind of lifestyle they have is very ...

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