An Inspector Calls - Eric Birling

An Inspector Calls - Eric Birling

1. What does he represent?/ What is his Character like?

   • Who is he?
     • He is the son of Mr and Mrs Birling
     • He is a heavy drinker
     • He is the father of the child
   • Since he defies his parents he could represent the changing ideals of the new younger generation.
     • He turns from his parents political philosophy of Capitalism to Priestley's socialist ideals.
   • Key Quotes
     • I'd have let her stay
       • Declarative sentance - Sounds very definate or a young man who hasn't accomplished much
       • "I'd" - Voices his opinion very readily however he is not the head of the household,
         • This is not how he would be expected to behave.
     • "He could have kept her on instead of throwing her out."
       • Refers to his father as " he" which is quite rude.
       • He also sympathizes with the working classes.

2. How is he presented?

   • Start?
     • Nervous wreck?
     • Confused?
     • Spoilt?
     • Childish?
     • Alcoholic?
     • Immature?
   • End?
     • Socialist?
     • Reflective?
     • Culpable?
     • Matured?
     • Effected?

3. His involvement in the suicide

   • He met Eva Smith in the same bar as Gerald.
     • Neither of them would be expected to be in a bar picking up girls.
   • He was drunk and expected Eva Smith to have sex with him and when she didn't want him to come in he nearly turned violent.
     • Irresponsible
   • They met up again later and conceived a child together.
     • He isn't sensible
     • He is not responsible enough to be a Father
   • He stole money from Mr Birling to help Eva Smith.
     • He is not very self - sufficient
     • He cannot ask his Father for help and his alcoholism could root from his lack of affection