How does Priestly establish tensions at the opening of An Inspector Calls?

At the opening of An Inspector Calls, tensions are established between the characters through business, social classes and secrets. The tension between characters begins with Birling who is a hard-headed business man who directs and relates most conversations to business. Birling is very repetitive with his speech showing that he has a social reputation but also not very knowledgeable. Everything he thinks wont happen will happen as he is not aware of his world. In the context of the play, there are social tensions between upper and lower classes. Sheila and Gerald are engaged with the Birlings having a high social class and Crofts having plentiful money. Birling sees the engagement as a business deal between the Crofts and Birlings to develop the familys social class. Tension between Birling and Eric begin once Birling says no to Eric after having a laugh with Gerald. To change the subject, Eric starts to talk about women, which makes him remember something. Birling asks what it is which immediately increases the tension as there are now secrets between both men. Birling suspects something and Gerald finds it a bit fishy. Birling lectures his opinions again which is hypocritical as he said he wouldnt lecture Gerald and Eric. Once the doorbell rings, the tension between Eric and Birling rises as Birling is continually answering Eric in a superior way and finding excuses for any action Eric accuses him of. Tension is established at the opening of An Inspector Calls mainly between Eric and Birling through business and social matters. Stephanie Ling