Gerald

• 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?

  Eric 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 not quite at ease.
• What does Eric's character symbolize in the play?

  Eric symbolizes redemption and the capacity to change.
• How does Priestley present Eric's relationship with his father?

  Eric opposes Mr Birling's capitalist attitudes, showing a lack of good role models.
• What societal norms does Priestley suggest influence Eric's behavior?

  Societal norms are portrayed as reasons for Eric's immoral behavior.
• How does Eric demonstrate remorse in the play?

  Eric shows remorse by accepting responsibility for his actions.
• What does Eric's character suggest about the potential for change?

  Eric's character suggests that anyone can change for the better.
• How does Eric's emotional response to Eva's death reflect his morals?

  His emotional response shows that he has a moral nature.
• What does the adverb "involuntarily" reveal about Eric's character?

  It reveals that Eric cannot suppress his emotional reaction.
• How does Priestley contrast Eric's reaction to Eva's death with Mr Birling's?

  Eric's reaction is emotional, while Mr Birling is impatient and dismissive.
• What personal views does Eric hold in the play?

  Eric holds 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 possess that separates him from other characters?

  Eric has the capacity for empathy and emotion.
• How does Eric perceive the upper-class hypocrisy in the play?

  He recognizes the hypocrisy in seeking 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 react to his father's hypocrisy?

  He expresses discontent and recognizes the moral issues in his father's views.
• What does Eric's discomfort with his family's lifestyle indicate?

  It indicates he is not at ease with the exploitation of lower classes.
• How does Eric's reaction to the engagement toast reflect his views?

  He finds the toast ridiculous and protests against it.
• What does Eric's character reveal about the potential for immorality in individuals?

  It shows that anyone is capable of immorality, regardless of their initial morals.
• How does Eric view the actions of his father's respectable friends?

  He acknowledges their immoral actions but feels too weak to stand up for his beliefs.
• What coping mechanism does Eric use in response to his family's hypocrisy?

  Eric uses alcohol as a coping mechanism.
• What lesson does Priestley convey through Eric's perceived lack of influence?

  People need to stand up for reform regardless of their societal position.
• How does Priestley portray Eric's upbringing?

  Eric is raised in a cold and unwelcoming environment.
• What impact does Mr Birling's lectures have on Eric?

  They shape Eric's values and attitudes towards women and lower classes.
• How does Priestley explain Eric's immoral actions?

  He normalizes Eric's behavior by linking it to societal expectations of men.
• What does Eric's narration about Eva suggest about his reliability?

  His narration is likely unreliable and biased.
• How does Priestley manipulate the audience's perception of Eric?

  He allows the audience to fill in gaps in Eric's story, making him appear redeemable.
• What euphemistic phrase does Eric use to describe his actions while drunk?

  He refers to it as "that state when a chap easily turns nasty."
• What does Priestley's choice of colloquial language imply about Eric's actions?

  It implies that alcohol caused his lack of restraint, not a lack of morals.
• What does it imply when Eric's narration is described as likely to be unreliable?

  It suggests that his biased telling of the story may distort the truth.
• How does Priestley manipulate the audience's perception of Eric's actions towards Eva?

  By using the pronoun "it," allowing the audience to fill in the gaps about Eric's actions.
• What is the significance of the euphemistic phrase “that state when a chap easily turns nasty” used by Priestley?

  It serves as a substitute for Eric's admission of being drunk.
• What does Priestley encourage the audience to consider about Eric's actions?

  Whether his actions reflect his true character or if society conditioned him to behave that way.
• What question does Priestley's choice of colloquial language prompt regarding Eric's actions?

  It prompts the question of whether Eric would have abused Eva if he was sober.
• How is Eric portrayed in terms of his feelings about his actions towards Eva?

  He is portrayed as repentant and remorseful.
• What does Eric's immediate recall of his actions signify?

  It demonstrates his authentic regret for what he did to Eva.
• How does Priestley use linguistic techniques to show Eric's feelings of guilt?

  Through euphemistic phrases and dramatic exits that indicate his shame.
• What narrative technique does Priestley use when Eric recalls events with phrases like “when a chap”?

  He uses third-person narration to allow Eric to disassociate from his cruel actions.
• How does Priestley depict Eric's acceptance of responsibility for Eva's death?

  He portrays Eric as only partially accepting responsibility.