Eric Birling
DESCRIPTION
He is describe by the play write as 'In his twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive'
His behaviour is uncommon for a man of his class
Sense of scandal for the reader
Future head of the Birling business. Thus suggesting he will be an amazingly well raised son with perfect social awareness and manners
He is secretly and alcoholic
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Seems a bit erratic
Everyone finds out that Eric is hiding some dirty secrets. Eric's drunkenness and bad behaviour represents the dark side of family life. He is a heavy drinker and has been for a while. You can see his 'familiarity with quick heavy drinking' in the way he pours his whisky in Act Three.
His first encounter with Eva/Daisy results in her getting pregnant and there's a suggestion that he forced himself on her. Giving the reader a sense of frustration and anger. Also sympathy towards Eva.
Throughout the play, Priestly also drops hints that Eric isn't alright. Priestly's stage directions say that Eric is 'not quite at ease'. He interrupts Sheila and Gerald when he 'suddenly guffaws' but says he doesn't know why he's laughing. When Gerald says, 'Unless Eric's been up to something,' Eric acts suspiciously- 'I don't think that's very funny,' he says 'still uneasy', and also answers defiantly.
Eric is also the only character in the play who has serious consequences for what he did. He is still young and naive giving the reader a sense of sympathy.
Key quotes
'I didn't even remember- that's the hellish thing'|Act three
Shows how far his alcoholism is.
Irresponsible.
Suggests to the reader that at the time he wasn't thinking straight, he may have forced himself on her.
'You don't understand. You never did. You never tried.'|Act three
Eric is a villain and a victim.
He feels isolated and unsupported and is trying to find comfort elsewhere.
'You may be letting yourselves out nicely'.|Act three
He criticises his parents for pretending nothing's happened.
'You killed her... and your own grandchild'|Act three
He blames his mother for turning her away. Very angry, shows the reader that he cares and his softer side.
KEY QUOTES
'You told her! Why, you little sneak'|Act three .
He though he had a trusting relationship with Shelia
'Eric suddenly guffaws'
He is unable to explain his laughter, as if he is nervous about something
'I don't give a damn now.'|Act three
Shock and unexpected to reader as he never stood up to his father (social superior) before.
'We did her in all right.|Act three'
He is not interested in his parents' efforts to cover everything up: as far as he is concerned, the important thing is that a girl is dead.
Sounds a little like his father here- thinks nobody should have let on that he was guilty.