Introductions Flashcards
Eric
Priestley uses the character of Eric Birling as a vehicle to expose the damaging impact capitalism has on family life, whereby his fractious relationship with his father results in deep- routed insecurities that he attempts to overcome through reckless and wild behaviour. Though the audience view his treatment of Eva Smith as morally repugnant, he redeems himself through genuine remorse and his receptive response to the Inspector’s message, suggesting that even the worst members of society are capable of redemption. Through Eric, Priestley reveals his hope that the younger generation will abandon the capitalist values of their parents and adopt a socialist desire to create a much more egalitarian society predicated on welfare and civil responsibility.
