eric 1

• keywords:

  • uneasy, "squiffy", questioning, naive, privileged, silenced, defiant, bewildering, oppressed

  To the audience, Eric is often confusing - appearing defiant at times and awkward and silenced at others.
• Eric is often shown as "not quite at ease" which may also be Priestley illustrating how he views the younger generation;

  • Eric is a far cry from the self-indulgent character of Mr. Birling and so finds it hard to assimilate into the house, often coming off as awkward.

  However, he is also far from the perfect socialist, leaving him trapped between the two ideologies.
• Eric's personality changes through the play, going from uneasy to more compelling towards the end as he accepts his wrongdoings and embraces the socialist ideology put forward by the Inspector.
• Priestley juxtaposes this willingness to change with the obstinate (refusing to change one's opinion) nature of the older Birlings, perhaps presenting this contrast to show there is hope for change for the youth.

  • Eric serves as a fall to his bigot (extreme ignorance) father as he becomes socially defiant.
• Eric is shown from the beginning to be "half shy, half assertive" often unable to accept his father's behaviour and yet not at ease with his own either.

  • This often means that Eric notices his father's unscrupulous (no morals) and inhumane treatment of those perceived to be "lower" than him in society and yet lacks the moral fibre and conviction to act on these feelings.
• "(not too rudely) Well, don't do any (speech-giving) We'll drink to their health and have done with it"

  • This abrupt statement elucidates (explains) Eric's thoughts on the marriage; he recognises the absurdity of their marriage and sees that Sheila is being treated as little more than a bartering token for the powerful male businessmen to achieve "lower costs and higher prices", dehumanising and disenfranchising (no vote) in the process.
• "(not too rudely) Well, don't do any (speech-giving) We'll drink to their health and have done with it"

  • Eric does so "not too rudely", showing how he still lacks any real power to do anything but is still disillusioned with the capitalistic intent behind Sheila's marriage.
• When referring to Mr. Birling's ironic speech that highlights his stupidity and myopia (short-sightedness), Eric is shown to be questioning this staunch and misguided worldview, asking;

  • "what about war"

  Before quickly being drowned out, with his attempts of speaking up cut off;

  • "Yes, I know - but still-"

  Showing how Eric is cowed (forced) into agreeing with the patriarchal and classist worldview posited by Mr. Birling whilst being unable to speak out.
• These all go ti show Eric's dilemma within the Birling family; he has an innate sense of morality showing him that Mr. Birling's actions and words are immoral.

  • However, he is silenced into supporting them regardless.