Eric Birling

Question 1

How does Priestley present the character of Eric Birling?

Answer

In many ways, Eric is a disappointment to his parents and the opposite of Gerald Croft.
He is described as ‘in his mid-twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive’; it is as if he has something to hide.
He has low self esteem and low self confidence which may have led him to drink heavily.
His parents clearly do not take him seriously and their lack of parental love may also have contributed to his low self esteem and heavy drinking.
He has been granted an expensive education by his parents and as such felt compelled to join his father’s business whom he steals money from to fund his alcohol dependency.
He is presented as a nasty drunk who as good as rapes the girl he makes pregnant.
However, Priestley clearly wants the audience to understand that he is not a complete villain and that he is clearly a product of his upbringing and environment.

Question 2

What has Eric learned by the end of the play?

Answer

He admits his faults and is remorseful of his behaviour.
Eric is involved in what is arguably the most emotional moment of the play when he accuses his mother of murdering her own grandchild.
Eric fights back at his parents and is clearly ashamed of both them and what he has done. He has grown up considerably by the end of the play and the evening’s events can be seen as his path to adulthood and responsibility.
His acknowledgement of guilt and acceptance of social responsibility leads to the audience sympathising with him and Sheila stating ‘Eric’s absolutely right. And it’s the best thing any one of us has said tonight and it makes me feel a bit less ashamed of us.’

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