What themes does Eric represent in An Inspector Calls?

What themes does Eric represent in An Inspector Calls?

Priestley uses Eric as ​symbolic​of ​redemption​; no matter the ​atrocities​committed in the past, he has the capacity to​ change and improve​. Priestley presents Eric in a ​sympathetic light​through Eric’s opposition to Mr Birling’s capitalist and individualistic​attitudes.

What are the four main themes in an inspector calls?

Let’s look at the four main themes:

  • social responsibility.
  • age.
  • gender.
  • class.

What sin does Eric Birling represent?

Eric Birling represents three out of the seven deadly sins; he symbolises Sloth because he doesn’t really do anything, just like his sister, Sheila. He is always drunk, ‘more drinks? ‘ and ‘I thought this time it wasn’t so bad. ‘ Eric also represents Lust because he ‘went to the palace bar’ which was where he met Eva.

How is Eric Birling portrayed?

Eric is the Birlings’ son and is in his early twenties, he is described as being ‘not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive’. In other words, he lacks confidence. At points he tries to stand up to his father but is talked down.

Is Eric a socialist or capitalist?

Eric Birling – “Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages?” Within An Inspector Calls, Eric can be seen as a character with socialist values. From the offset of the play, Priestley employs assertive language to hint that Eric is morally superior to his parents.

Does Eric Birling change?

Eric has changed through the Inspector’s visit and now understands the society around him; the audience can see him shifting through his cry to God – a symbol of his utter regret and remorse. The audience can feel his presence on stage and the didactic lesson of social responsibility resonates with them.

How does Eric change in An Inspector Calls?

What theme links Eric and Sheila’s point of view at the end of An Inspector Calls?

In An Inspector Calls, Priestley explores the theme of age through: Sheila and Eric’s response to Eva’s death.

How does Eric Birling change throughout the play?

Eric has changed through the Inspector’s visit and now understands the society around him; the audience can see him shifting through his cry to God – a symbol of his utter regret and remorse. This benefited much of society, mainly the working class who fought for equality and rights to vote as power.

How is Eric presented as both a villain and a victim?

Eric is a villain and a victim. He feels isolated and unsupported and is trying to find comfort elsewhere. He shouts at his mother ‘You don’t understand. You never did.

How is Eric presented essay?

Eric is presented as an uncommendable, slightly drunk and uncomfortable character and this is shown when at the start of the play he suddenly laughs for no apparent reason – “I just had to laugh” – which shows that he was a bit “squiffy” as told by his mother, Mrs Birling.

How does Eric Birling change throughout the play essay?

What is Eric Birling’s position on guilt in the play?

Eric Birling. Eric’s position is similar to his sister’s, in that he, too, is wracked by guilt after learning of the Eva/Daisy’s suicide. But Eric’s addiction to alcohol and his moodier, wilder temperament keep him from reasoning as succinctly as Sheila does at the play’s end. Eric believes that he behaved justifiably in stealing from…

Who is Eric Birlings son and how is he described?

Eric is the Birlings’ son and is in his early twenties, he is described as being ‘not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive’. In other words, he lacks confidence. At points he tries to stand up to his father but is talked down.

How is Eric Birling similar to Sheila Birling?

Eric Birling. Eric’s position is similar to his sister’s, in that he, too, is wracked by guilt after learning of the Eva/Daisy’s suicide. But Eric’s addiction to alcohol and his moodier, wilder temperament keep him from reasoning as succinctly as Sheila does at the play’s end.

Why is Eric Birling important in Inspector Calls?

Eric Birling is an influential and significant character in our play, Inspector Calls. Priestly uses Eric’s character to show the change in the younger generation and his own socialist views of 1912.

author

Back to Top