eric character analysis

how is eric described -act one

In his early 20s not quite at ease half shy half assertive

-lack of confidence contrast to dominance

-implying he is secretive

-half indicates character is not yet fully formed

how are both sheila and gerlad presented as fashionable members of younger generation up to date with language -act one

sheila- “ You're squiffy”

eric -” I'm not”

-informal language

-adapt their language to the times

-foreshadows both characters adapting their attitude to social responsibility as play unfolds

- Priestley aligns Eric with alcohol which foreshadows his involvement with either later on in play

how is eric presented as an outsider -act one

- He is the only one not in a couple

- In stage directions it says he is downstage which suggests separation

how does eric argue with his father and challenge his idea- act one

“ Yes I know but still”

“ Just let me finish Eric you've a lot to learn yet”-mr birling

how does mr birling sperate eric and audience sympathise -act one

-sucks up to eric “ You're just the kind of son in law I always wanted”

“ What's the joke started telling stories” -eric feels left out and audiece feels sorry for him

how does eric contrast father when hearing about eva -act ojne

“ My God!”-eric shows empathy “ Involuntarily”-shows that it is a natural reaction

“ Yes yes horid business” -mr briling shows lack of feelings

-eric and sheila both show empathy for working class highlights contrast to older generation who do not seem to care

how does Eric show empathy for lower class- act one

“ It isn't if you can't go and work somewhere else” -shows thinking about aftermath shows empathy

how does eric show Sympathy for eva after kicked out of Birling's industry -act one

“ He could have kept her on instead of throwing her out” -sorry for eva

-eric feels eva was treated unfairly sows some sympathy

How does Eric contrast his father's capitalist views -act one

“ Why shouldn't they try for higher wages”

“ I'd have let her stay”

-preistly presentes hope in younger generation and more socialist views

how is eric’s drinking problem revealed -act 2

Mrs birling denies eric’s problem “ No of course not he's only a boy”

-” We really must stop these silly pretences this isn't the time to pretend that Eric isn't used to drink”-Sheila

“ Steadily drinking too much for the last two years” -reveals it to be a long term problem -Sheila says this

-foreshadowing his later actions

How does Mrs Berling unknowingly foreshadow Eric's involvement -act 2

“she called herself mrs birling”

“ He said something one night when he was drunk that gave her the idea that it wasn't his money”

-” Eric enters looking extremely pale and distressed”

How does Eric distance himself from the crime which might suggest guilt -act 3

“ I was in that state when a chat easily turns nasty”

-third person to distance himself

-but uses alchol as an excuse for his implied rape

How does priestly suggest Eric can barely bring himself to admit what he's done -act 3

“ And that's when it happened and I didn't even remember that's the hellish thing ohh my God has stupid it all is”

-euphemism

-dosen’t take responsibility as he clsims he doesn't recall the events

How does Eric show some good qualities -act 3

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

-although rape could show regret or sympathy and shows some morals

How does Eric show he also stole

-” I got it - from the office”

-pause could show shame

How does priestly present Eric as an immature man who does not have a close relationship with his father

“ You're not the kind of father a chap could go to when he's in trouble”

“ chap” - Present him as a victim rather than accepting responsibility for his actions

how does Eric shift blame off himself onto Mrs Birling

“ Then - you killed her”

“ My child - your own grandchild - you killed them both - damn you damn you”

-anger and sadness

- Can show his immaturity as he's not fully ready to take on responsibility of his actions

How does Eric suggest he might learn from his actions

Sheila-” All right but it doesn't make any real difference you know”

“ No sheila’s right it doesn't”

How does Eric show he might be he's ready to take responsibility

“ The fact remains that I did what I did.”

“it's what happened to the girl and what we all did to her that matters”

-sympathetic to character as he takes socialist side

How might Eric be considered to have not learnt his lesson

- He has been drinking heavily throughout the play and can be considered drunk by the end

- His drinking brings out the anger towards his parents

- Eric might only be siding with Sheila to get back his parents

What are Eric's last words

Sheila-” It frightens me the way you talk and I can't listen to any more of it

“ I agree with Sheila it frightens me too”

-shows opposition to parents and some morals