Eric Birling

What does Priestley use Eric to represent

Priestley uses Eric as ​symbolic​ of ​redemption​; no matter the ​atrocities ​committed in the past, he has the capacity to​ change and improve​.

What themes does Eric embody

• class

• hypocrisy

• Gender inequality

• responsibility

• redemption

• socialism

• exploitation

quotes for hypocrisy

1) ​”why shouldn't they try for higher wages​ - ​we try for the highest possible prices​”.

2)  (laughs bitterly.) I didn't notice you told him that it's every man for himself.

3)  “Then - you killed her… and the child she’d have had too – my child – your own Grandchild”

quotes about gender inequality

1) Eric suddenly guffaws. Suddenly I felt I just had to laugh

2) she wasn't the usual sort - she didn't know what to do.

3) I hate these fat old tarts round the town

quotes about responsibility

1) you killed her – and the child  – your own grandchild –

2) You don't understand anything. You never did. You never even tried

3) 'the fact remains that I did what I did'

4) “i don’t even remember it that’s the hellish thing”

redemption quotes

1) “I insisted on giving her enough money to keep her going.”

2) 'I don't even remember-that's the hellish thing"

3) ““You’re beginning to pretend that nothing really happened at all. And I can’t see it like that”

socialism quotes

1) ​”why shouldn't they try for higher wages”

2) “Well i don’t care now” (in response to BIRLING’S rant ab a public scandal

3) “He could’ve kept her on instead of throwing her out”

quotes about exploitation

1) “I insisted … it seems”

2) in that state when a chap easily turns nasty 

3) And that's when it happened.

how does eric change throughout the play

Eric begins the play as an awkward and secretive character. But as the play goes on, he shows remorse, becomes stronger and encourages other characters to change their ways.