Eric

• How does Priestley present Erik Burling's character development throughout the play?

  He transforms from irresponsible to responsible.
• What is Erik Burling's relationship to Sheila in the play?

  They are siblings.
• What societal hopes does Priestley associate with Erik and Sheila?

  They symbolize hopes for peaceful social change.
• How does Erik's absence in the second act affect his character perception?

  It adds mystery and intrigue to his character.
• What clues does Priestley provide about Erik's character in the first act?

  He is described as half shy, half assertive.
• How does Erik's drinking behavior contribute to his character portrayal?

  It indicates his immaturity and irresponsibility.
• What does Erik's reaction to Gerald's joke reveal about his character?

  It hints at his feelings of guilt.
• How does Erik's relationship with Sheila illustrate his immaturity?

  He ridicules her public affection towards Gerald.
• What does Mrs. Birling's description of Erik suggest about his upbringing?

  It infantilizes him and shows her control.
• How does Erik's father view him in the context of the family business?

  He looks down on Erik's education and abilities.
• What does Erik's question about war reveal about his character?

  He shows independent thought and skepticism.
• How does Erik's perspective on Eva's treatment differ from his father's?

  He empathizes with her plight and questions authority.
• What does Erik's admission of coercion towards Eva indicate about his character?

  It shows his initial lack of maturity and principle.
• How does Erik feel about his actions towards Eva by the end of the play?

  He expresses remorse and guilt.
• What does Erik's confrontation with his parents reveal about his character growth?

  He asserts his independence and challenges them.
• How does Erik's relationship with Sheila evolve throughout the play?

  They unite against their parents by the end.
• What does Erik's final stance on collective responsibility signify in the play?

  It embodies Priestley's socialist philosophy.
• How does Priestley use dramatic irony in Erik's confession?

  It highlights the family's hypocrisy and ignorance.
• What is the significance of Erik being the father of Eva's child?

  It connects him directly to the tragedy.
• How does Mrs. Birling's reaction to Erik's identity as the father reflect her character?

  It reveals her prejudice and denial.
• What does Erik's final assertion about the importance of the girl's death signify?

  It emphasizes the theme of collective guilt.
• How does Erik's character serve as a critique of upper-middle-class values?

  He illustrates the exploitation of the working class.
• What role does Erik play in the overall structure of the play?

  He is central to the dramatic climax.
• What does Erik's transformation from boy to man symbolize in the play?

  It symbolizes the potential for social change.
• How does Priestley use Erik's character to convey his message about social responsibility?

  Erik's journey reflects the need for change.
• What does Erik's final confrontation with his mother reveal about their relationship?

  It shows deep resentment and alienation.
• How does Erik's character contribute to the play's themes?

  He embodies themes of guilt and responsibility.
• What is the significance of Erik's final statement about the girl and their actions?

  It underscores the interconnectedness of society.
• How does Erik's character reflect Priestley's views on the younger generation?

  He represents hope for a more equitable society.
• What does Erik's ability to stand up to his parents signify by the end of the play?

  It signifies his growth and newfound confidence.
• What does Erik's character ultimately symbolize in the context of the play?

  He symbolizes the potential for social reform.
• How does Erik's relationship with Sheila evolve throughout the play?

  They unite against their parents by the end.
• What does Erik's final stance on collective responsibility signify in the play?

  It embodies Priestley's socialist philosophy.
• How does Priestley use dramatic irony in Erik's confession?

  It highlights the family's hypocrisy and ignorance.
• What is the significance of Erik being the father of Eva's child?

  It connects him directly to the tragedy.
• How does Mrs. Birling's reaction to Erik's identity as the father reflect her character?

  It reveals her prejudice and denial.
• What does Erik's final assertion about the importance of the girl's death signify?

  It emphasizes the theme of collective guilt.
• How does Erik's character serve as a critique of upper-middle-class values?

  He illustrates the exploitation of the working class.
• What role does Erik play in the overall structure of the play?

  He is central to the dramatic climax.
• What does Erik's transformation from boy to man symbolize in the play?

  It symbolizes the potential for social change.