Eric Birling

Question 1

‘Half _____, half_____’

What does this suggest about Eric?

Answer 1

• He is anxious about the future
• Nervous about mistreating poor
• Uncomfortable by the notion of capitalism
• First stage action is an action ‘suddenly guffaws’- created tension, and unease foreshadowing on the inspectors arrival

Question 2

How is Eric presented as squiffy?

Answer 2

• His drinking problem represents the sin of gluttony
• It is symbolic of capitalist exploitation- his greed/pleasure creates distress for Eva
• His drinking also helps him cope with his compromising of socialist views in favour of conservative views
• ‘when a chap turns easily nasty’- adverb ‘easily’ has disturbing connotations here

Question 3

Why does Priestley use Eric’s assault on Eva?

Answer 3

• Extended metaphor showing how Capitalism abuses the poor/ working classes
• The language also frightens the audience ‘when a chap easily turns nasty’
• adverb ‘easily’ has implications that this type of behaviour is almost common place- therefore we wonder if the Conservative Party and their ideals too are used in perhaps a trivial manner, at the expense of lower classes

Question 4

What else about Eric?

Answer 4

• As well as representing the clash between socialist and capitalist views, his troubled relationship with Mr Birling reflects his Oedipal urge for boys to challenge authority
• Oedipus complex + Sigmund Freud = believed it was boys natural instinct to challenge their father
• Oedipus Complex = sense of rivalry with the parent of the same sex

Question 5

What is the reality of Eric?

Answer 5

• Family money has protected Eric from the realities of the world
• His immature world view means that he pursues pleasure regardless of the consequences
• HOWEVER, his sympathy for the working classes is clear, ‘why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?’ Foreshadowing his change in the play