Eric Birling Flashcards
Why is Eric Birling important?
Eric Birling’s character is extremely important in the outworking of the play. First, he is introduced as an inebriated character, who cannot control himself
Is Eric Birling a weak character?
Priestley portrays Eric as too weak to be able to stand up to the way his father treats the lower classes.
How is Eric presented in the play?
Eric is presented as an uncommendable, slightly drunk and uncomfortable character and this is shown when at the start of the play he suddenly laughs for no apparent reason – “I just had to laugh” – which shows that he was a bit “squiffy” as told by his mother, Mrs Birling.
What does Eric represent?
By the end, Eric, like his sister, is used by Priestley as a symbol to represent the younger generation and socialism. Eric gives the audience hope that their society can improve if people take responsibility for the impact of their actions.
What type of person is Eric Birling?
Eric is the Birlings’ son and is in his early twenties, he is described as being ‘not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive’. In other words, he lacks confidence. At points he tries to stand up to his father but is talked down.
How does Eric abuse his power?
Erics wrongful act is carried out by the excessive consume of alcohol, which takes away his control over himself, thus making him to create a big mistake. Eric abuses his physical power on Eva, resulting her to get pregnant
How did Eric treat Eva?
The Inspector says Eric treated Eva Smith ‘as if she were an animal, a thing, not a person.
Does Eric accept responsibility?
Priestley shows that Eric has accepted collective responsibility for his actions and is imploring his parents to do the same.
How does Eric change as a character?
His transformation is perhaps the easiest for the audience to relate to: he blames the world for his mistakes but gradually accepts his social responsibility. In the opening stage directions of Act One, Eric is presented as an obnoxious and juvenile boy.
What act does Eric confess?
Act Three: The Inspector leaves but the mystery continues
How Eric responds to his family and the inspector?
He is passive aggressive with the inspector and is intimidated by his father. He works at Birling and Company, and his father, we presume, is his boss. He is quite naive, in no way as worldly or as cunning as Gerald Croft. By the end of the play, like his sister, Eric becomes aware of his own responsibilities.
How does priestly present Eric?
In many ways, Eric is a disappointment to his parents and the opposite of Gerald Croft.
