Eric

• What is the title of the play that features Eric Birling?

  An Inspector Calls
• What does Eric Birling say that indicates he knows something important?

  “Why - you fool - he knows. Of course he knows.”
• What responsibilities do public men have according to Mr. Birling?

  “Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges.”
• What does the phrase "chain of events" imply about Eva's situation?

  It suggests that a series of actions led to her suicide.
• What does Eric Birling do to Eva that makes him guilty?

  Eric gets Eva pregnant and steals money to give to her.
• What are five adjectives to describe Eric Birling?

  • Awkward
  • Conflicted
  • Maturing
  • Remorseful
  • Assertive
• Who is the first character to speak in "An Inspector Calls"?

  Eric is the first character to speak in the play.
• How does Sheila describe Eric?

  Sheila describes Eric as ‘squiffy’.
• How old is Eric Birling?

  Eric is in his late twenties.
• Who expresses shock when the Inspector explains Eva’s suicide?

  Eric is the first character to express shock.
• What does Eric express support for regarding Eva?

  Eric expresses support for Eva’s right to request higher wages.
• How is Eric initially characterized?

  Eric is initially called ‘half shy, half confident’.
• How is Eric presented in the play?

  • Seated downstage, indicating he feels excluded
  • Described as ‘half shy, half assertive’
  • Bursts out laughing, showing awkwardness
  • Challenges his father's beliefs about wages
• Why is Eric seated downstage while the family is upstage?

  He does not seem part of the family and feels excluded.
• What impression do we get of Eric from being ‘half shy, half assertive’?

  He is awkward and unsure in social situations.
• What does Eric's question about higher wages indicate about his character development?

  It shows he is beginning to find his confidence and challenge his father.
• What does the exchange between Eric and Mr. Birling reveal about their relationship?

  It indicates that Eric's relationship with his father is not a happy one.
• What does Eric represent in the play?

  Eric represents the changing younger generation who disagree with capitalism.
• How do we feel about Eric by the end of the play?

  We could feel sorry for Eric due to his unloving family upbringing.
• What does the term ‘higher wages’ signify in the context of the play?

  It highlights the importance of money and wealth in the Edwardian era.
• What does Eric's language reveal about his attitude towards women?

  It shows he has underlying problems and is defensive about his actions.
• What technique does Eric use when he asks, ‘Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?’

  He uses a rhetorical question to express his growing confidence.
• How does Eric's first encounter with Eva reflect societal attitudes of the time?

  It casts a critical light on how women were seen as objects of male gratification.
• What does Eric symbolize in the context of the play's themes?

  • Represents the younger generation
  • Symbolizes hope for societal change
  • Advocates for social responsibility
  • Challenges capitalist beliefs
• How does Eric's character evolve throughout the play?

  Eric matures and gains confidence to stand up against his parents' bigotry.
• What does Priestley want the audience to feel about Eric by the end of the play?

  He wants the audience to feel compassion for Eric's desire to improve.
• How does Eric's relationship with his parents affect his character?

  His unloving family upbringing contributes to his awkwardness and mistakes.
• What does Eric's realization of his actions signify in the play?

  It signifies his remorse and desire for change.
• How does the play portray the theme of social responsibility through Eric's character?

  Eric's journey reflects the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions.
• What does the phrase "that state when a chap easily turns nasty" imply about Eric's view of his actions?

  It implies he is trying to excuse his behavior as typical male conduct.
• How does Eric's character serve as a critique of Edwardian society?

  Eric's struggles highlight the flaws in a patriarchal and capitalist society.
• What does Eric's remorse at the end of the play suggest about his character development?

  It suggests he has grown and is capable of change.
• How does Priestley use Eric's character to convey his message about the younger generation?

  Eric embodies the potential for change and social responsibility among youth.
• What does Eric's final realization about his actions signify for the audience?

  It signifies hope for a more compassionate and equal society.