Eric birling

• How does Priestley present Eric at the beginning of the play?


  As not fully mature
• What do the adjectives ‘shy’ and ‘assertive’ imply about Eric?


  They create confusion about his character
• What does Priestley want the audience to feel about Eric?


  To view him negatively
• What societal critique does Priestley convey through Eric's character?


  Capitalist patriarchal society is untrustworthy
• What word does Priestley repeat to indicate Eric's character development?

  Half
• How does Sheila's accusation of Eric being ‘squiffy’ contribute to the play?

  It highlights their fashionable language
• What does Eric's association with alcohol foreshadow?

  His later drunken behavior with Eva
• What does Eric's statement about being ‘in that state’ suggest?

  He lacks responsibility for his actions
• How does Eric's use of the word ‘chap’ affect his portrayal?

  It distances him from his actions
• What does Priestley imply about Eva's situation through Eric's perspective?

  She may be living on the brink of prostitution
• Why was the word ‘prostitute’ avoided in the play?

  Due to censorship at the time
• What does Eric's admission of guilt reveal about his character development?

  He begins to take responsibility
• How does Priestley use short sentences to convey Eric's feelings?

  To reveal his distress and confusion
• What does Eric's statement about his father suggest?

  He feels he cannot approach him
• What does Eric's short-term solution to marry Eva indicate?

  His immaturity and lack of foresight
• How does Eric's language change by the end of the play?

  He acknowledges collective responsibility
• What does Eric's use of the plural pronoun ‘we’ signify?

  Collective responsibility for Eva's death
• What is the significance of Eric's statement about what matters?

  It emphasizes the importance of social responsibility
• How does Priestley characterize Eric throughout the play?

  As immature and irresponsible
• What does Eric's acceptance of responsibility reflect about Priestley's views?

  Support for socialist ideals of responsibility
• What are the key themes presented through Eric's character development?

  • Immaturity and irresponsibility
  • Alcoholism and its consequences
  • Collective social responsibility
  • The impact of capitalist society
• How does Priestley use Eric's interactions to convey social messages?

  • Highlights the flaws of capitalism
  • Emphasizes the need for social responsibility
  • Illustrates the consequences of privilege
  • Shows the potential for personal growth