Eric Birling

• " early twenties not quite at ease half shy half assertive"

  demonstrates naivety
• symbollic of redemption and has the capacity to change and improve
• Priestly has Eric be as a result of societal norms he is following in the footsteps of other men
• " [involuntary] my God"

  demonstrates moral nature of Eric

  couldnt suppress his emotional reaction

  Priestley wants to audience to have same reaction as Eric as emotion is necessary for societal change
• "why shouldnt they try for higher wages"

  condemns fathers view of capitalism

  Eric can emphasise with lower classes

  presented with capacity for empathy and emotion

  shows difference between older and younger generation
• "not quite as ease"

  foreshadows Erics attitude as he isnt as ease with his own of his fathers behaviour
• "[not too rudely] well dont do any (speechmaking) well drink to their health and have done with it "

  doesnt have power to directly challenge his father

  not at ease with capitalist purpose of sisters marriage