REFLECTION 1 - Solo Reading
After reading 'An Inspector Calls', I was able to grasp my own interpretation of the play and the characters, layout, etc involved. There is a driving tension between the Birling family, Gerald Croft and the inspector who is suddenly introduced to them during a celebratory moment. Aside this, the uptight or high-class background of the suspects seem to have an effect on their initial attitudes and approach to be accused of being part of such vulgar acts. Therefore it allows the so-called inspector to predict their reactions just by observing their appearances and belongings, leading him to interrogate them individually in private for a very intimate session. This eventually continues the drama by constantly handling the response of finding out each other's guilty actions, almost to a state of paranoia or confusion with their conscience. Furthermore, I think that I'm able to visualise the performance using my imagination and a collection of personal observations or memories from past experiences. The characters described bring up a certain image just by being aware of their fancy background and setting because certain aspects like their fashion, architecture, speech, etc resemble a popularised past society. Other forms of literature depicting such historical eras or possible future ones can vastly impact the mindsets of people and alter their thoughts, thus providing a base for mine while reading it. With this, speaking in a higher tone can embody a pitiful, feminine, young woman like Sheila Birling made me feel how she valued themes shown, such as taking attention or responsibility for our doings. Through just adjusting the way I speak, articulation and varying the expressions suggested further elaborated my understanding of my own Sheila. Reading aloud personally gradually does this and differs from reading a novel as their is more focus on setting fixed descriptions on what happens using just words, not being physically acted out or the characters' interactions to move the plot along, Stage and character direction is a specific process which differs the actor to the character being portrayed as they move around as if they were her/him. In conclusion, I've adapted to the play's reality and engaged into the narration of the growing shame hanging on to the family and Croft.