Eric Birling: Character, Quotes, Themes and Dramatic Devices in An Inspector Calls

Katie Merrett

10/24/2025

English Lang.

An Inspector calls

1,633

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Oct 24, 2025

•

3 pages

Eric Birling: Character, Quotes, Themes and Dramatic Devices in An Inspector Calls

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Katie Merrett

@katiemerrett

An Inspector Calls: Character Analysis and Dramatic Devices

J.B. Priestley's... Show more

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Of a different generation
"More money to spend and time to
spare than i had when i was Eric's age"
Arthur Birling
Pompoos:
"There's a fair c

Dramatic Devices in "An Inspector Calls"

Priestley employs various dramatic devices to enhance the play's impact and convey its themes effectively. These devices contribute to the tension, suspense, and overall dramatic effect of the performance.

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and foreshadowing events:

Example: The change in lighting from "pink and intimate" to "brighter and harder" when the Inspector arrives symbolizes the exposure of the characters' hidden truths.

Sound effects and entrances/exits are used to create dramatic tension:

Highlight: The Inspector's arrival is announced with a "sharp ring of the doorbell," signaling a disruption to the Birlings' comfortable existence.

Props serve as important tools for revealing information and maintaining suspense:

Example: The photograph of Eva Smith, shown only to one character at a time, creates uncertainty and builds tension among the characters and audience.

Dramatic irony is employed to engage the audience and highlight the characters' ignorance:

Quote: "These silly little war scares" - This statement by Arthur Birling demonstrates dramatic irony, as the audience knows that World War I is imminent.

Cliffhangers are used to maintain audience engagement:

Example: Act One ends with the Inspector saying "Well?" to Sheila and Gerald, leaving the audience in suspense.

The play's structure and form contribute to its overall impact:

Three-act structure, each ending on a cliffhanger
Use of real-time examination of characters
Stage directions that provide insight into characters' emotions and actions

Highlight: The play's form as a live performance allows the audience to experience the tension alongside the characters, enhancing the impact of Priestley's message about collective responsibility.

Themes and Structure in "An Inspector Calls"

Priestley carefully crafts the themes and structure of "An Inspector Calls" to critique social inequality and promote collective responsibility. The play's cyclical structure reinforces its central messages.

Key themes explored in the play include:

Social responsibility
Class and privilege
Generational divide
Morality and ethics
Gender roles and expectations

Quote: "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." - Inspector Goole

This quote encapsulates the play's central theme of collective responsibility, challenging the individualistic attitudes represented by characters like Arthur Birling.

The play's structure supports its themes:

The Inspector's methodical questioning reveals the interconnectedness of the characters' actions
The play begins and ends in similar circumstances, emphasizing the cyclical nature of societal issues
The three-act structure builds tension and allows for character development

Highlight: The play's structure mirrors the process of social awakening, with characters gradually realizing their role in Eva Smith's death.

Symbolism is used throughout the play to reinforce its themes:

Example: The dining room setting symbolizes the Birlings' privileged lifestyle, which is gradually dismantled by the Inspector's revelations.

The play's exploration of these themes and its carefully crafted structure contribute to its enduring relevance and impact on audiences, encouraging reflection on personal and societal responsibilities.

Character Analysis: Arthur Birling and Eric Birling

Arthur Birling, the patriarch of the Birling family, is portrayed as a self-assured and pompous businessman. His character represents the older generation's values and attitudes.

Quote: "We don't guess - we've had experience - and we know"

This quote exemplifies Arthur's overconfidence and dismissive attitude towards others' opinions. He values his reputation and social status above all else, as evidenced by his concern for potential scandals.

Highlight: Arthur Birling's character traits include being pompous, self-assured, dismissive, and keen to impress.

In contrast, Eric Birling undergoes significant character development throughout the play. Initially presented as a secret drinker and irresponsible young man, Eric becomes more aware of his actions and their consequences.

Quote: "You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can't"

This statement demonstrates Eric's growing sense of responsibility and remorse for his actions. Unlike his father, Eric becomes more empathetic and willing to acknowledge his mistakes.

Example: Eric's insistence on giving Eva Smith money to support her shows a level of responsibility and kindness not initially apparent in his character.

The contrast between Arthur and Eric Birling highlights the generational divide and the potential for change in societal attitudes.

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Oct 24, 2025

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3 pages

Eric Birling: Character, Quotes, Themes and Dramatic Devices in An Inspector Calls

Katie Merrett @katiemerrett

An Inspector Calls: Character Analysis and Dramatic Devices

J.B. Priestley's play "An Inspector Calls" explores themes of social responsibility, class, and morality through its characters and dramatic techniques. The play... Show more

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Dramatic Devices in "An Inspector Calls"

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and foreshadowing events

Example The change in lighting from "pink and intimate" to "brighter and harder" when the Inspector arrives symbolizes the exposure of the characters' hidden truths.

Sound effects and entrances/exits are used to create dramatic tension

Highlight The Inspector's arrival is announced with a "sharp ring of the doorbell," signaling a disruption to the Birlings' comfortable existence.

Props serve as important tools for revealing information and maintaining suspense

Example The photograph of Eva Smith, shown only to one character at a time, creates uncertainty and builds tension among the characters and audience.

Dramatic irony is employed to engage the audience and highlight the characters' ignorance

Quote "These silly little war scares" - This statement by Arthur Birling demonstrates dramatic irony, as the audience knows that World War I is imminent.

Cliffhangers are used to maintain audience engagement

Example Act One ends with the Inspector saying "Well?" to Sheila and Gerald, leaving the audience in suspense.

The play's structure and form contribute to its overall impact

Three-act structure, each ending on a cliffhanger
Use of real-time examination of characters
Stage directions that provide insight into characters' emotions and actions

Highlight The play's form as a live performance allows the audience to experience the tension alongside the characters, enhancing the impact of Priestley's message about collective responsibility.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Themes and Structure in "An Inspector Calls"

Key themes explored in the play include

Social responsibility
Class and privilege
Generational divide
Morality and ethics
Gender roles and expectations

Quote "We don't live alone. We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other." - Inspector Goole

This quote encapsulates the play's central theme of collective responsibility, challenging the individualistic attitudes represented by characters like Arthur Birling.

The play's structure supports its themes

The Inspector's methodical questioning reveals the interconnectedness of the characters' actions
The play begins and ends in similar circumstances, emphasizing the cyclical nature of societal issues
The three-act structure builds tension and allows for character development

Highlight The play's structure mirrors the process of social awakening, with characters gradually realizing their role in Eva Smith's death.

Symbolism is used throughout the play to reinforce its themes

Example The dining room setting symbolizes the Birlings' privileged lifestyle, which is gradually dismantled by the Inspector's revelations.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Character Analysis Arthur Birling and Eric Birling

Arthur Birling, the patriarch of the Birling family, is portrayed as a self-assured and pompous businessman. His character represents the older generation's values and attitudes.

Quote "We don't guess - we've had experience - and we know"

Highlight Arthur Birling's character traits include being pompous, self-assured, dismissive, and keen to impress.

Quote "You lot may be letting yourselves out nicely, but I can't"

This statement demonstrates Eric's growing sense of responsibility and remorse for his actions. Unlike his father, Eric becomes more empathetic and willing to acknowledge his mistakes.

Example Eric's insistence on giving Eva Smith money to support her shows a level of responsibility and kindness not initially apparent in his character.

The contrast between Arthur and Eric Birling highlights the generational divide and the potential for change in societal attitudes.