Eric Birling - Character Profile

Question 1

How is Eric Birling initially portrayed in “An Inspector Calls”?

Answer 1

Eric Birling is depicted as the son of Mr. and Mrs. Birling, exhibiting a drinking habit and a sense of unease, suggesting inner turmoil and dissatisfaction with his surroundings.

Question 2

What role does Eric Birling serve in the context of the play?

Answer 2

Eric Birling serves as a symbol of redemption in “An Inspector Calls,” representing the possibility of personal growth and moral improvement despite past mistakes.

Question 3

How does Priestley evoke sympathy for Eric Birling?

Answer 3

Priestley evokes sympathy for Eric Birling by portraying him as a product of his environment, influenced by his father’s capitalist values and lacking a positive role model. Eric’s naivety and remorse further contribute to his sympathetic portrayal.

Question 4

What societal factors contribute to Eric’s behavior?

Answer 4

Eric’s behavior is influenced by societal norms and expectations, particularly the prevailing capitalist and individualistic attitudes of Edwardian society. Priestley suggests that Eric’s actions, including his mistreatment of Eva Smith, are a result of societal pressures and influences.

Question 5

How does Eric demonstrate remorse for his actions?

Answer 5

Eric demonstrates remorse for his actions by accepting responsibility for his mistreatment of Eva Smith. Despite his reluctance to take sole responsibility for her suicide, Eric’s acknowledgment of his wrongdoing and his emotional reaction convey a sense of genuine regret.

Question 6

What is the significance of Eric’s character in the play?

Answer 6

Eric’s character symbolizes hope and the potential for positive change. Through Eric, Priestley highlights the importance of recognizing one’s mistakes and striving for moral improvement, regardless of past transgressions.

Question 7

How does Eric’s portrayal reflect the overarching message of “An Inspector Calls”?

Answer 7

Eric’s portrayal reflects the play’s message of social responsibility and moral accountability. His journey towards redemption underscores the theme of personal growth and the possibility of positive change within society.

Question 8

How does Priestley portray Eric Birling’s moral nature in “An Inspector Calls”?

Answer 8

Priestley portrays Eric Birling as inherently moral, demonstrated by his emotional response to Eva’s death, indicated by the stage directions “[involuntarily] My God!”

Question 9

What does the adverb “involuntarily” signify in Eric’s emotional reaction?

Answer 9

The adverb “involuntarily” suggests that Eric’s emotional reaction is spontaneous and genuine, emphasizing his moral nature as he cannot suppress his emotions even in a patriarchal society.

Question 10

How does Eric’s emotional response contrast with Mr. Birling’s reaction to Eva’s death?

Answer 10

Eric’s emotional response contrasts with Mr. Birling’s dismissive attitude, as Mr. Birling reacts “rather impatiently” and brushes off Eva’s suicide with indifference, saying “yes yes. Horrible business.”

Question 11

What message does Priestley convey through Eric’s emotional reaction?

Answer 11

Priestley conveys the message that emotion is a fundamental aspect of humanity and essential for societal improvement. By contrasting Eric’s genuine emotional response with Mr. Birling’s indifference, Priestley encourages the audience to value empathy and emotional connection.

Question 12

How does Priestley demonstrate Eric’s discomfort with his family’s lifestyle and privilege in “An Inspector Calls”?

Answer 12

Priestley uses stage directions like “not quite at ease” to show Eric’s unease with his father’s behavior and his own privilege. Eric interrupts his father’s engagement speech, protesting “[not too rudely]” to signify his disapproval of the capitalist purpose behind his sister’s marriage.

Question 13

Despite initially being portrayed as a positive character with morals, what revelation about Eric challenges this perception?

Answer 13

The revelation of Eric’s rape of Eva challenges his initial portrayal as a positive character with morals. It demonstrates that sin is not beyond anyone, including Eric, despite his disapproval of his father’s individualistic business rhetoric.

Question 14

How does Priestley suggest that Eric’s lack of influence contributes to his behavior?

Answer 14

Priestley suggests that Eric’s perceived lack of influence prevents him from standing up for his beliefs and making change. This lack of influence leads him to go along with the immoral actions of his father’s “respectable friends” and resort to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Question 15

How does Priestley deflect blame away from Eric for his behavior?

Answer 15

Priestley portrays Eric as a product of poor parenting, suggesting that his behavior is a result of his upbringing in a cold and unsupportive environment. By denying Eric care and compassion, his parents have stunted his moral development, leading to his callous treatment of others.

Question 16

How does Priestley use Mr. Birling’s lectures to Eric and Gerald to shape the audience’s understanding of Eric’s character?

Answer 16

Priestley uses Mr. Birling’s lectures, which are filled with capitalist, individualistic, and patriarchal content, to show that Eric is being influenced by the values of his father. This suggests that Eric has been taught to disrespect women and disregard the lower classes, reflecting the norms of the society he grew up in.

Question 17

How does Priestley provide an explanation for Eric’s immoral actions in “An Inspector Calls”?

Answer 17

Priestley suggests that Eric’s immoral actions, such as his association with prostitution, are normalized behaviors among the upper class. In the context of 1912 society, where women were perceived as inferior and valued based on their bodies, Eric’s behavior is partially excusable due to societal norms.

Question 18

Why is Eric’s narration likely to be considered unreliable?

Answer 18

Eric’s narration is likely unreliable because he is left to tell the story about what he did to Eva, allowing him to bias his telling of the story to make himself look less bad. This enables the audience to form their own opinions about Eric’s actions and whether he is redeemable or not.

Question 19

How does Priestley use language to normalize Eric’s behavior and prompt the audience to consider societal influence?

Answer 19

Priestley uses euphemistic language like “that state when a chap easily turns nasty” to substitute for Eric’s admission of being drunk. This normalizes Eric’s lack of restraint and implies that alcohol, not his lack of morals, caused his actions. This prompts the audience to consider whether Eric’s behavior is reflective of his true character or if society has conditioned him to behave in this manner.

Question 20

How does Priestley depict Eric’s genuine regret for his actions towards Eva?

Answer 20

Priestley portrays Eric as genuinely regretful by showcasing his immediate recall of his actions and his continued reflection on Eva and the impact of his behavior. Additionally, Priestley’s use of euphemistic language and Eric’s dramatic exit demonstrate his guilt and shame.

Question 21

Why does Priestley present Eric as only partially accepting responsibility for Eva Smith’s death?

Answer 21

Priestley portrays Eric as failing to accept full responsibility for his actions, suggesting that he diverts blame by comparing his exploitation of Eva to the actions of Mr. Birling’s “respectable friends.” Eric implies that he is not fully responsible due to a lack of good role models and attempts to trivialize his actions, indicating a limited sense of guilt.

Question 22

How does Eric’s attempt to divert blame affect the audience’s perception of him?

Answer 22

Eric’s attempts to divert blame away from himself, whether by citing the influence of immoral men or his own intoxication, cause him to be perceived as similar to the older generation and depicted unsympathetically. Priestley places blame for society’s problems on this avoidance of responsibility, suggesting that Eric’s failure to fully accept guilt contributes to societal issues.

Question 23

How does Priestley depict the relationship between Eric and Mr. Birling?

Answer 23

Priestley portrays Eric as ideologically opposed to Mr. Birling, consistently challenging his capitalist attitudes and opinions. This opposition reflects the conflict between capitalism and socialism, with Eric representing the younger generation’s socialist ideals in contrast to Mr. Birling’s staunch individualism.

Question 24

How does Mrs. Birling’s indifference affect Eric?

Answer 24

Mrs. Birling’s indifference to Eric’s welfare is evident in her refusal to accept responsibility for her role in Eva’s death and her prioritization of the family’s reputation over her son’s well-being. This lack of sympathy from his mother contributes to Eric’s sense of isolation and alienation.

Question 25

How does Eric’s relationship with Eva challenge societal norms?

Answer 25

Eric’s relationship with Eva challenges societal norms due to its inter-class nature, which goes against the conventions of 1912 British society. Their unconventional relationship highlights the abuse and exploitation faced by the working class at the hands of the upper class, with Eric’s actions symbolizing the systemic injustices present in society.

Question 26

What is the significance of Eric’s treatment of Eva in comparison to the other characters?

Answer 26

Eric’s treatment of Eva is portrayed as the most severe and least forgivable, as he both abuses her physically and emotionally, using his social influence to overpower her. This explicit immorality offers hope for redemption, as Eric’s potential for change serves as an example for the audience to reflect on their own actions and capacity for improvement.

Question 27

How does Eric’s remorse and redemption contribute to the thematic message of the play?

Answer 27

Eric’s journey of remorse and redemption in “An Inspector Calls” reinforces the thematic message of personal responsibility and societal change. Through his acknowledgment of wrongdoing and commitment to improvement, Eric exemplifies the potential for individual transformation and the importance of confronting one’s past actions in order to create a better future for society as a whole.

Question 28

What role does Eric play in reflecting the conflict between capitalism and socialism in “An Inspector Calls”?

Answer 28

Eric serves as a representative of socialist ideals in “An Inspector Calls,” opposing his father’s capitalist beliefs and advocating for social justice. His ideological clashes with Mr. Birling underscore the broader conflict between capitalism and socialism, with Eric embodying the younger generation’s desire for societal reform and equality.