An Inspector Calls : Eric quotes

(not too rudely) Well. Dont do any ( speech giving ) We’ll drink to their health and have done with it .

Eric recognizes the absurdity of shiela’s marriage and sees that she is being treated as little more than a bartering token for the powerful male businessman to achieve “lower costs and prices” , dehumanizing her in the process

“not too rudely” shows how he still lacks any real power to do anything but is still disillusioned with the capitalist intent behind Shiela’s marriage.

“half shy half assertive

“what about war”

Eric is cowed into agreeing with the patriarchal classist worldview posited by his father

Eric has an innate sense of morality showing him that Mr Birling’s actions and words are immoral however he is silenced into supporting them regardless

“Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages ? We try for the highest possible prices “

The use of a rhetorical question highlights how Eric is developing his “half assertive “ side as he is directly questioning his father and not seeking to hear his ignorant point of view as a response,

Alliteration of “possible prices” compounds how Eric has realised the exploitation that individuals like his father perpetuate in order to acquire more wealth.

“Look for the father of the child .Its his responsibility “

“Drunken idler “

Mrs Birlings interrogation shows the myopic and egotistical world view held by those of the upper class

Priestly utilized dramatic irony to highlight the willful blindness of the capitalist mindset. The irony of this being her own son ,shows how high society harbored double standards in the treatment of the upper class compared to the lower class

“ I wasn’t in love with her or anything “

This shows us the depravity of the mindset of high society , what to Eric was a bit of fun was to an innocent woman , a pivotal reason for her to end her own life .

This shows how men can commit irresponsible actions and get away with it while women , particularly of the lower class, have to deal with he consequences.

“Then - you killed her. She came to you to protect me- and you turned her away”

The impassioned speech shows how Eric has ability that raise his voice and show solicitude for the two lives lost .

This marks a stark change in Eric’s demeanor towards his parents, he highlights the wrongs of his father “you killed her”.

“Because your not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble-that’s why”

Mr Birlings success in business is directly juxtaposed with his shortcomings as a father as his lust for money has pushed his own son into an iscolated bubble where he felt shut of from the world.

“Don’t talk to me like that .Your trouble is- you’ve been spoilt”

This is ironic because Mr Birling is the one responsible for spoiling Eric

This shows how in wider society the upper class have been coddled and spoilt, leading to their self centered ways .

“I did what I did. And mother did what she did .And the rest of you did what you did to her”

Act 3

The recurrent use of the personal pronoun ‘ I’ serves not only to illuminate Erics growing sense of personal accountability and social awareness but also signifies the maturation of his introspection-he is on a mission of redemption from his capitalist sins.

Eric is transitioning from the [half shy] demeanour initially presented in act 1 , now compelling his family to confront their own moral failings and take ownership of unethical behaviour.

The repetition of ‘did what’ in each sentence showcases the interconnected nature of everyone’s responsibility-Eric emphasises that their negligence and exploitation are burdens that they must collectively accept. It also provides an ambiguous quality to the play as there is no specific detail on what they did , therefore compounds how they are microcosms of the upper middle class and how they ‘did what’ they pleased to the lower classes without remorse of accountability from anyone.

Bit dont forget im ashamed of you as well-yes both of you”

The term “ashamed” conveys a sense of embarrassment revealing Erics deep disillusionment as he realises the capitalist inherent exploitation of individuals.

As a member of the young gen , he faces ridicule for his progressive outlook and adapt a condescending demeanour towards his parents showcasing his fearlessness in challenging their regressive beliefs and highlighting his commitment to catalysing change.

The use of a hyphen simplifies the sentence and further to his obdurate (stubborn) parents of the older gen , the importance of collective social responsibility.

Erics adoption of short sentences mirroring the inspectors style, may also signify his growing post liberation from capitalisms constraints. In act 1 the inspectors brevity (concise use of words) denotes authority, a trait now echoed by Eric as he speaks concisely.