Eric is constructed to reflect attitudes towards women in a patriarchal Edwardian society.

“i was in a state where a chap easily turns nasty”.     “she treated me- as if I were a kid. Though I was nearly as old as she was”

Eric had a different attitude towards workers rights, reflecting a generational divide between him and his parents.

“You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble” “You don’t understand anything. you never did” “Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices”

Eric changes as a children and learns to accept social responsibility towards others

“he was our police inspector alright” “the girls dead and we all helped to kill her” “you killed her- and…your own grandchild”

questions his fathers economic and political ideology. Contrast= comparative and superlative adj. Intention=Makes workers requests seem reasonable and capitaliste businesses (like Mr Birling) seem exploitive of workers.

“why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest possible prices”

Eric effectively rapes Daisy, showing the power men had over women, as well as the power men had over the poor and vulnerable Intention=shocks the audience and makes them even question their own behaviour 

“I was in that state where a chap easily turns nasty”

vocab=noun”kid” Eric is less mature than Daisy as she had to grow up faster due to her being less privileged and having no parents therefore having to fend for herself.

Vocab=emotive,accusatory language. Emphasises impact of Mr B's actions- by making it personal to the Birlings Priestley illustrates how an action but Mrs B that she dismisses as unimportant can have huge, tragic consequences on others. We are responsible for each other.

“You killed her- and…your own grandchild”

Eric understands whether or not the Inspector was a hoax is irrelevant. He does not see to pass the blame for the girl's death but accepts we share responsibility. R= audience feels he has atoned for his terrible treatment of Daisy by accepting it and trying to change and become a better, socially responsible person.

“the girls dead and we all helped to kill her”

Li= he 'interrogated' them and made them confess. He was their MORAL inspector rather than a police inspector. They have all committed moral crimes against another innocent individual and Eric realises this.

“he was our police inspector all right”

Mrs Birling does not understand her son but she also refuses to understand the Inspector's message that she is responsible for others which Eric does understand. R= creates sympathy for Eric. His own mother had never tried to understand him. He feels isolated and alone.C= nanny system

“You don’t understand anything. you never did”

English (UK)

Inspector calls : Eric Birling English literature paper 2

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United Kingdom

inspector calls : eric birling english literature paper 2

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English

inspector calls : eric birling 

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English Literature

AP English Literature

Inspector calls : Eric Birling 

Discover Eric Birling quotes, character analysis, and how Eric is presented in 'An Inspector Calls'. Find out what Eric represents, context, and adjectives to describe Eric. Perfect for your English literature paper and revision!

inspector calls : eric birling

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