Topic > The character of Eric Birling in The Inspector Calls by Jb Priestley

Eric is a character from the book "The Inspector Calls" presented by JB Priestley. Eric is Mr Birling's son and Sheila's brother. He is portrayed as "half-shy", which suggests that he has a lack of confidence because he feels that he doesn't fit in with the family because he is the youngest, therefore he is the least important. His serious drinking habits were known to all. Except that his mother thinks he is innocent and treats him like an ungrown child, this is because he is immature and young compared to the rest of the family who is older and more mature, this isolates him making him feel out of place. He has also been described as "medium assertive", which shows that he can express his opinions when he feels passionate about a topic. His spoiled life made him immature because he was wrapped in a cotton ball away from the harsh society. Eric also has the characteristic of being confused about his future, nervous about the mistreatment of the poor, and uncomfortable with the notion of capitalism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay At the beginning of the show, Eric is very uncertain about himself, he was anxious about his future, he tried to speak for himself, but he was usually oppressed by his father and unable to do what he wanted. From then on his behavior is embarrassing. From 'I don't know - really. Suddenly I felt I just had to laugh.” This phrase describes Eric as "half shy and half assertive" and this comes through in his dialogue and fails to explain his sudden laughter. The first time we hear Eric is when he “chuckles,” a crude laugh that suggests he feels uncomfortable around the family, which creates a tense atmosphere. Which creates tension and discomfort, foreshadowing the arrival of the inspector, who as we know has imposed himself on Eva Smith and has the ability to change. He appears to have some drinking problem at the beginning of the show. He gets agitated and behaves in a somewhat strange and uncomfortable way, his problem with alcohol represents the sin of gluttony, it is the symbol of capitalist exploitation, his greed has created anguish for Eva. His drinking also helps him deal with compromising socialist views in favor of conservative ones. “When a guy easily becomes bad,” the adverb “easily” has disturbing connotations here. The act of “rape” has an extended metaphor that shows how capitalism abuses the poor and working classes. The language used also scares the public "when a boy becomes bad easily", the adverb "easily" implies that this type of behavior is almost banal, so we wonder if the Conservative Party and also its ideas are not used in a perhaps banal, to the detriment of the lower classes. When it is revealed that she is pregnant with Eva Smith, she had an innate sense of responsibility. However, Eric Birling presented his immature and childish side when Sheila revealed to Mrs Birling that Eric was an alcoholic and the father of Eva Smith's baby, he responded by accusing her of cheating: “You told her. Why, you little rascal!' His youthful nature can be identified by his immediate reaction to Sheila's insult, calling her a "sneak"! The use of the exclamation point in his speech reveals his helplessness and his true helplessness. The pronoun “you” highlights his need to look for others to hold accountable because he cannot cope with the disrespect and betrayal. Eric represented the clash between socialist and capitalist views, his troubled relationship with Mr Birling reflecting his Oedipal need for boys to challenge authority. Family money protected Eric from the realities of the real world. His vision of the world.