Eric

Question 1

How does Priestley present Eric through the play?

“Priestley uses Eric Birling as an emblem…

Answer 1

…of the unthinking man, who perhaps learns his lesson and, as a symbol of the new generation, provides a sense of hope for the audience.

Question 2

What words can be used to describe Eric?

Answer 2

Careless, drunken, foolish, guilty, immature, lazy, reckless, Dishonest, regretful.

Question 3

At the beginning of the inspection Priestley establishes Eric as…

Answer 3

…a privileged, immature young man.

Question 4

During the inspection Priestley establishes Eric…

Answer 4

• confesses his poor treatment of Eva.
• is revealed to have treated Eva carelessly and selfishly.

Question 5

At the end of the inspection Priestley establishes Eric as…

Answer 5

• accepting responsibility for his role in Eva’s death, unlike the older generation.
• greatly affected by Eva’s death and the Inspector’s words.

Question 6

Useful references for Eric, during Interrogation.

Answer 6

• More discussion of Eric’s drinking builds up to Mrs B’s interrogation.
• Broken speech during his Interrogation suggesting emotion and the emotional climax of the play.

Question 7

Useful references for Eric, before the investigation.

Answer 7

• Lots of references to Eric and drinking from the very beginning of the play.

Question 8

Useful references for Eric at the end of the Interrogation.

Answer 8

• Contrast with Mr and Mrs Birling and Gerald.
• Stage directions suggest lack of control: “Eric laughs rather hysterically”; ‘cutting in’ - like the inspector!

Question 9

“Not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive.”

Answer 9

Beginning of interrogation.
Eric
Stage directions
Seems uncomfortable, perhaps due to his guilty conscious.
Becomes more confident + angry later.

Question 10

“You’re squiffy.”

Answer 10

Sheila to Eric
Beginning of interrogation
Drunken, not taking life seriously.
Used to living a life of debauchery (bad behaviour).

Question 11

Eric seems “uneasy” when Mr Birling and Geral joke that he’s “been up to something.”

Answer 11

Guilty consciousness

Question 12

“I was in a state when a chap easily turns nasty..”

Answer 12

During Interrogation
Eric
Euphemisms

Question 13

“as if she were an animal..”

Answer 13

Inspector to Eric.
Simile
During Interrogation
Dehumanised her and exploited her.

Question 14

“she was pretty and a good sport.”

Answer 14

Eric
During Interrogation
Upper class slang for “good fun.” + Direct and blunt.
It’s just a game to him

Question 15

“-you killed them both- damn you, damn you.”

Answer 15

Eric
During Interrogation
Dashes - very fragmented speech
He is furious and overwhelmed.
Huge contrast with the euphemistic language.
Very violent

Question 16

(laughing) Oh - for God’s sake!

Answer 16

Laughing in disbelief how blind and oblivious his parents can be + selfish.
Stage directions
End of interrogation
Eric

Question 17

“This girl’s still dead, isn’t she?”

Answer 17

Eric
End of interrogation
Direct and blunt language.

Question 18

How does Priestley use Eric’s character to represent ideas about society?

Answer 18

Eric has the most active conscience - at the start of the play he says: “he could have kept her instead of throwing her out”. This demonstrates that there is potential/hope for the future.
- At the end of the play Eric shows remorse and his acceptance is evidence of his moral fibre.