Eric Birling Flashcards
Overview
In ‘An Inspector calls’, Priestley uses the character of Eric Birling to highlight the corrupt nature of patriarchal society through his hypocritical and exploitative personality. However, he is also used to show how even flawed people can change for the better, despite having committed heinous acts in the past.
Quotes
‘Not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive’ - Pg 2
‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages’ - Pg 16
‘You killed them both- damn you, damn you’ - Pg 55
‘The girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her’ - Pg 65
‘Not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive’
Point – Eric’s inner conflict and exclusion from the capitalist system suggest his potential for moral growth and challenge to societal norms.
Choice – In Act 1, Priestley presents Eric as distinct from the other characters, especially his family, to give him a voice for his anti-capitalist message. The stage directions describe him as “not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive,” which contrasts with more dominant figures like Mr. Birling. The word “half” suggests inner conflict, hinting at Eric’s struggle with his identity or place in society. Additionally, the juxtaposition of being “shy” and “assertive” indicates discomfort, possibly reflecting guilt or internal turmoil.
Effect – By presenting Eric as an outsider, Priestley encourages the audience to view him as someone who might evolve into a more morally aware, socialist individual. His discomfort, contrasted with the patriarchal, capitalist views around him, implies a potential for change. Through Eric, Priestley critiques the capitalist system and advocates for a more equitable society, symbolizing hope for social progress.
‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages’
Point - Eric is presented as morally progressive, challenging his parents’ capitalist views and expressing empathy for the lower class.
Choice - Through the use of the rhetorical question ‘why shouldn’t they try for higher wages’ Priestley suggests to the audience he has socialist views even though he was brought up in a capitalist household, which included a world of privilege. This highlights that he has empathy and is morally superior to his parents as his views juxtapose their beliefs.
Effect - He places high value on staff welfare as opposed to being concerned by wealth and reputation highlighting that he is used to represent the changing values of the younger generation as even from the start he has compassion. His assertive manner shows that he isn’t intimidated by his father’s influence and power which is contesting the behavioural expectations of young men in 1912 as it was rare to see the younger generation questioning their parents. This perhaps highlights that Eric is tired of his parents’ judgement towards the lower classes.
‘You killed them both- damn you, damn you’
Point - Eric is presented as morally developed, confronting his mother with anger and responsibility, marking his transformation and recognition of injustice.
Choice - The phrase ‘you killed them both - damn you, damn you’ This powerful statement shows Eric’s ability to connect the dots and understand the consequences of their collective actions. For the first time, we see a furious Eric verbally attack his mother. He directly addresses her with the pronoun ‘you’ to make sure that she knows she has caused the death of her own grandchild. The repetition of “damn you” conveys his fury and despair at the realisation of his mother’s role in Eva’s death.
Effect - Eric’s outburst demonstrates his moral growth and his capacity to recognise and confront injustice, even when it involves his own family.
This confrontation serves as a pivotal moment in Eric’s character arc, solidifying his transformation from a careless young man to someone who understands and accepts social responsibility.
‘The girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her’
Point – Eric’s vocal confrontation represents the younger generation’s rejection of complacency and their willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, promoting social change.
Choice – In Act 3, Eric’s outburst, “And I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her - and that’s what matters,” marks a shift from his passive, unconfident behavior in Act 1. By this point, he refuses to be silenced and demands his family face the consequences of their actions. His use of “we” highlights that the entire family is complicit, challenging the older generation’s tendency to deny responsibility.
Effect – Eric’s transformation shows the generational divide, with the younger generation more open to change and accountability, contrasting with the older generation’s self-preservation. He symbolizes a future focused on fairness, moral responsibility, and social progress.
