Character Analysis of Eric Birling in An Inspector Calls

Eric Birling: Character Analysis

• Introduction to Eric Birling

  • Son of Mr. and Mrs. Birling, brother to Sheila.
  • Works at Birling and Co.
  • Portrayed as having a drinking problem, suggesting a propensity to escape his troubles.
  • Described in stage directions as "early twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive."

• Symbol of Redemption

  • Eric symbolizes the potential for change and growth, suggesting a path to redemption despite his past actions.
  • Represents hope that individuals can reform, regardless of past mistakes.

Emotional and Moral Complexity

• Sympathy For Eric

  • Opposes Mr. Birling's capitalist views, revealing the conflict within his family.
  • Lack of a good paternal role model increases audience sympathy for him.
  • Naivety and ignorance showcased through actions that lead to Eva’s suffering.

• Inner Conflict

  • Expresses remorse and regret, particularly after Eva's death.
  • Demonstrates a complex moral landscape; initially seems capable of empathy but withdraws from full accountability for Eva’s suicide.
  • Emotional reaction to news of Eva's death is portrayed through his exclamation "[involuntarily] My God!", indicating genuine feelings.

Societal Context and Ideological Conflict

• Socialist Views

  • Challenges Mr. Birling over worker exploitation, stating, "Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?"
  • Diagnoses societal problems rooted in capitalism and its grim exploitation of workers.

• Understanding Hypocrisy

  • Recognizes Mr. Birling’s hypocrisy in prioritizing profit over people; expresses frustration at societal inequality.
  • Eric's disintegration of traditional norms aims to showcase the necessity for moral reflection in capitalism.

Conformity and Weakness

• Resistance to Change

  • Although aware of moral failures, Eric conforms to societal expectations.
  • His discomfort is illustrated through his stage direction "not quite at ease".

• Self-Destructive Behavior

  • Alcohol depicted as a coping mechanism, reflecting societal norms impacting his actions.
  • Conforms to the patriarchal expectation of men exploiting vulnerable women, reflecting the insidious nature of societal conditioning.

Relationship with Family

• Conflict with Mr. Birling

  • Opposes father’s views; significant discussions illustrate their ideological decay.
  • Eric’s remarks, such as questioning the inevitability of war, demonstrate his growing awareness of broader socio-economic issues.

• Relationship with Mrs. Birling

  • Portrayed as lacking maternal warmth; she deflects blame onto Eric for Eva’s death.
  • Eric’s confrontation, saying "You killed her… and the child she’d have had too" emphasizes generational conflicts and emotional estrangement.

Relationships Beyond Family

• Connection with Sheila

  • Both characters contrast with their parents.
  • Importance of their unity evidences a generational shift toward shared social responsibilities and reforms.

• Dynamics with Eva Smith

  • Their relationship critiques class divisions; Eric’s actions represent the exploitation faced by lower classes.
  • His vague references to abuse ("that’s when it happened") showcase his reluctance to confront his guilt fully.

Final Thoughts and Redemption

• Portrayal of Guilt and Remorse

  • Eric expresses regret but often attempts to shift blame away from himself, hinting at underlying moral dilemmas.
  • Audience sympathizes with his struggle, reflecting on how his upbringing and societal pressures conditioned him.

• Potential for Change

  • Priestley suggests that if Eric can recognize his faults and seek betterment, so can society at large.
  • Final moments force audience reflection on personal responsibilities toward societal injustices, encouraging comprehensive moral introspection.