Eric Birling

• Who is Eric Birling in the play An Inspector Calls?


  Eric is the son of Mr and Mrs Birling and the brother of Sheila.
• What is Eric Birling's employment status?


  He is employed by his father at Birling and Co.
• How is Eric Birling portrayed in the play?


  He is portrayed as having a drinking habit and is depicted as troubled.
• What does Priestley suggest about Eric's drinking habit?


  It may be an attempt to drown his sorrows.
• How does Priestley describe Eric's demeanor through stage directions?


  He is described as "not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive".
• What does Eric symbolize in the play?


  He symbolizes redemption and the capacity for change.
• How does Eric's character evoke sympathy from the audience?


  His opposition to Mr Birling's capitalist attitudes increases audience sympathy.
• What role does Eric's father play in his character development?


  Eric lacks a good role model, which contributes to his moral struggles.
• How does Priestley portray the societal norms affecting Eric's behavior?


  Societal norms are depicted as influencing Eric's immoral behavior.
• What is Eric's awareness of the suffering of the lower class?


  He is presented as naive and ignorant of their true suffering.
• How does Eric express remorse for his actions?


  He shows remorse and regret but rejects sole responsibility for Eva's suicide.
• What message does Priestley convey through Eric's character?


  Anyone can change for the better, regardless of past actions.
• How does Eric's emotional response to Eva's death reflect his morals?


  His involuntary reaction shows he has a moral compass.
• What does the adverb "involuntarily" indicate about Eric's character?


  It indicates his moral nature and inability to suppress emotions.
• How does Eric's reaction to Eva's death contrast with Mr Birling's reaction?


  Eric is emotional, while Mr Birling is impatient and dismissive.
• What generational difference does Priestley highlight through Eric and Mr Birling?


  He highlights the differing attitudes towards the lower classes.
• What personal views does Eric hold?


  He possesses inherently socialist views.
• How does Eric challenge his father's capitalist views?


  He questions why workers shouldn't try for higher wages.
• What capacity does Eric demonstrate that separates him from other characters?


  He shows capacity for empathy and emotion.
• How does Eric's recognition of hypocrisy in society manifest?


  He sees Mr Birling's hypocrisy in wanting lower costs while denying higher wages.
• What does Eric's realization about meritocracy reveal?


  He realizes that capitalism exploits workers rather than rewards them.
• How does Eric respond to his father's hypocrisy?


  He expresses discontent and points out the contradiction in their values.
• What does Eric's discomfort with his family's lifestyle indicate?


  It indicates his moral conflict and unease with their privilege.
• How does Eric's reaction to the engagement toast reflect his views?


  He realizes the toast is merely a transaction and protests against it.
• What does Eric's interruption of his father's speech signify?


  It signifies his discomfort with the capitalist nature of the marriage.
• How does Priestley portray the idea that anyone is capable of immorality through Eric?


  Eric's actions demonstrate that sin can affect anyone, regardless of their morals.
• What does Eric acknowledge about the behavior of Mr Birling's friends?

  He recognizes that they act immorally but feels powerless to oppose them.
• How does alcohol function in Eric's life?


  It serves as a coping mechanism for his family's hypocrisy and materialism.
• What lesson does Priestley convey about standing up for reform through Eric's character?


  People must stand up for reform regardless of their societal position.
• How does Priestley maintain audience sympathy for Eric?


  He shows potential reasons for Eric's behavior, deflecting blame onto his parents and society.
• What kind of environment was Eric raised in?


  He was raised in a "not cosy and homelike" environment by a "cold woman".
• How does Priestley suggest Eric's upbringing affects his moral development?


  His lack of care and compassion from parents stunted his moral development.
• What influence does Mr Birling's lectures have on Eric?


  They shape Eric's values, teaching him to disrespect women and disregard the lower classes.
• How does Priestley explain Eric's immoral actions?


  He normalizes Eric's behavior by showing that "respectable" men use prostitutes.
• How does societal context excuse Eric's behavior?


  In 1912 society, women were perceived as inferior, normalizing Eric's actions.
• Why is Eric's narration about Eva likely to be unreliable?


  His biased telling aims to make himself look less bad.
• What does the pronoun "it" in Eric's narration imply?


  It allows the audience to fill in the gaps about what Eric did to Eva.
• How does Priestley manipulate audience perception of Eric?


  He intends for Eric to be favored by the audience as a medium for socialist ideas.
• What does the euphemistic phrase "that state when a chap easily turns nasty" suggest?


  It normalizes Eric's lack of restraint, implying alcohol caused his actions.
• What does the unreliable narration of Eric imply about his character?


  It suggests that his biased telling of the story may distort the truth.