Eric

Question 1

Initially point

Answer 1

Initially, Eric is portrayed as immature and someone who lacks self confidence which results in him being viewed as quite
endearing-perhaps significant because Priestley wants to ensure the audience find his character likeable enough to want him to change throughout the course of the play, despite his irresponsible actions

Question 2

Initially… (quote 1)

Answer 2

• “you’re squiffy!”, “don’t be an ass”, “chump”(says this to sheila)
• This reflects his initial childish relationship that has not yet matured because of their sheltered upbringing, further emphasising his lack of maturity

Question 3

Initially… (quote 2)

Answer 3

• “Half shy, Half assertive”
• “shy” portrays him as younger than he is which reiterates his immaturity, potentially providing an excuse for his actions
• the fact “shy” is juxtaposed with the adjective “assertive”, hints at the strength of character that lies beneath this coltish, immature young man, foreboding his immoral actions to come

Question 4

However as the text develops point

Answer 4

However as the text develops it is exposed that Eric is the only character in the play that attempted to make amends for his moral crime against Eva before the Inspector arrives. It is revealed that his situation only worsened after impregnating Eva despite having ostensibly good intentions

Question 5

However… (quote 1)

Answer 5

• I “was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty”
  This implies that he forced his way into Eva’s lodgings and the uglier implication is that he forced himself on Eva. Our impression of the character, despite the hints of his sensitive nature given by Priestley at the start, is now far more sinister as not only do we now see him as immature and a drunk, he is also now a rapist and a thief.

Question 6

However… (quote 2)

Answer 6

• Yet despite this new awareness of Eric’s actions, Priestley presents an unexpected side to Eric that raises him in the audiences estimation.
• Eric claims that he “wasn’t in love with her or anything”, but he returns to her time and again. When he discovers that she is pregnant he does his best to support her.

Question 7

However… (quote 3)

Answer 7

Priestley does hint however that he has morals as shown through “she didn’t want me to marry her” which connotes that he asked her the question so that he could support her and the child.

Question 8

Ultimately point

Answer 8

Ultimately, Priestley affords hope for the future by suggesting that even individuals who commit morally and criminally atrocious deeds like Eric, are capable of redemption if they show genuine remorse and atone for their behaviour.

Question 9

Ultimately… (quote 1)

Answer 9

“beginning to pretend now that nothing’s happened at all”
Shows Eric’s reform which is a direct scrutinisation of his families actions and an embodiment of the Inspectors socialist tone and interrogatory tone.
Through his harrowing journey, Priestley teaches us that accepting responsibility and consequences, as well as the development of the conscience and superego and the propagating of socialist principles is the most important responsibility humans should undoubtedly have.