How Does Priestley Present Eric In An Inspector Calls

Priestley presents Eric in an ambiguous manner in An Inspector Calls. Priestley’s portrayal of Eric contrasts his portrayal of Mr Birling through form, language and structure. Eric realises that there is no meritocracy in 1912 society and capitalism exists predominantly to exploit workers and create money for members of the upper class such as his parents. I think that he is seen as a representative of a socialist society, a victim of alcoholism, immature and an individual who lacks but also accepts collective social responsibility. Priestley’s effective change in Eric’s character over the course of the play ensures the audience’s opinion change also. Eric’s lack of a father role model grants him the sympathy of the audience over the course

He intentionally foreshadows that this character will draw the audience in, ensuring they question whether Gerald’s comments about Eric are sarcastic or serious. For example, when the Birling family hear the news of the Inspector’s arrival, sycophantic Gerald jokingly says to Mr Birling “Unless Eric’s been up to something” insinuating that Eric is known as the troublemaker in the family. In addition to this Priestley’s use of stage directions such as [uneasy] convey to whoever might be playing the role that there is an essence of guilt to the character early in the play. A contingent of the audience would see it as a morality play and are instantly enticed to judge Eric throughout. In Aisling Walsh’s 2015 TV adaptation of An Inspector Calls Eric is in some parts presented as perturbed and troubled, correlating with Priestley’s description of Eric as “not quite at ease”. The TV adaptation leaves little room for viewers to interpret Eric’s character any differently from the intentions of Priestley’s

Eric develops greater collective social responsibility, unlike the elder members of his family, when he confesses “we did her in all right”. The plural pronoun “we” further implies that Eric firmly believes everyone should be held accountable. Perhaps it could be interpreted as him realising the impact of his parents' capitalist and narcissistic ways of treating the working class. Priestley presents Eric as regretful but also as someone who understands the Inspector’s lesson and the dangers of his parents'