Eric Birling - Top Five Quotations | 'An Inspector Calls'

Summary

In this video, Mr. Watson discusses his top 5 quotations from Eric Birling, a character from J.B. Priestley’s play *An Inspector Calls*. Through these quotes, Watson explores Eric's transformation from an uncertain and awkward young man to one who acknowledges his role in the tragedy of Eva Smith’s death. The analysis delves into themes of responsibility, social class, and empathy, contrasting Eric's earlier self-doubt with his later assertiveness and recognition of collective guilt. Viewers are encouraged to contribute any additional Eric quotes in the comments, fostering engagement and further discussion.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eric Birling questions Mr. Birling's refusal to raise workers' wages, challenging his profit-driven mindset.
• 😀 The quotation 'highest possible prices' highlights how Mr. Birling uses workers for financial gain without any empathy.
• 😀 Eric, representing the younger generation, shows emerging socialist values by advocating for wealth distribution across classes.
• 😀 Eric's awkwardness in the early part of the play contrasts with his later assertiveness, especially when accusing his mother of causing Eva's death.
• 😀 The phrase 'I don't know really suddenly I felt I just had to laugh' represents Eric's emotional uncertainty and the internal conflict he faces.
• 😀 Eric's accusation that his mother killed Eva and her unborn child reveals his growing anger and sense of responsibility towards the tragedy.
• 😀 The quotation 'I was in the state when a chap easily turns nasty' reflects Eric's admission of being drunk and possibly forcing himself on Eva.
• 😀 Eric’s use of the inclusive pronoun 'we' indicates that he acknowledges the family's shared responsibility in Eva's death.
• 😀 By the end of the play, Eric evolves, realizing his role in Eva's death, a significant shift from earlier attempts to blame his mother entirely.
• 😀 The video encourages viewers to participate by sharing other quotations from Eric, fostering a sense of community and support among the audience.

Q & A

What is the significance of Eric's quote 'Why shouldn't they try for higher wages?'

Eric is questioning Mr. Birling's refusal to raise wages for workers, which highlights Eric's disagreement with Birling's capitalist mindset. The quote shows Eric’s growing awareness of social justice and his emerging socialist values.

How does Eric's attitude toward his parents evolve throughout the play?

Eric initially appears unsure of himself and often gets shut down by his father. However, as the play progresses, particularly after the revelation of his mother's involvement in Eva's death, Eric becomes more assertive, demonstrating a shift towards accepting responsibility for his actions.

What is the meaning behind Eric's quote 'I don't know really, suddenly I felt I just had to laugh'?

Eric's laughter in this moment is unexpected and awkward. It reveals his discomfort and inner turmoil as he processes the pressure and his confusion about the situation, especially when interacting with his authoritative father.

What is the significance of Eric's accusation towards his mother: 'You killed her and the child she died had to my child'?

This statement marks a turning point in Eric's character. He shifts from being uncertain and passive to assertively blaming his mother for Eva's death. It highlights his emotional reaction to the truth and his growing realization of the severity of their collective responsibility.

What role does Eric's intoxication play in his behavior with Eva?

Eric's state of intoxication, as indicated by the phrase 'I was in the state when a chap easily turns nasty,' suggests that his behavior toward Eva may have been influenced by alcohol, possibly making him more aggressive and less considerate of her feelings.

How does Eric's understanding of responsibility evolve throughout the play?

Initially, Eric tries to shift blame onto his mother, but by the end of the play, he accepts that he, along with the rest of his family, played a role in Eva's death. His acknowledgment of shared responsibility shows his moral development and growth.

Why does Eric refer to the family’s involvement in Eva’s death using the inclusive pronoun 'we'?

By using 'we,' Eric emphasizes that the responsibility for Eva's death is shared by all members of the family, reflecting his understanding that the tragedy was a collective failure, rather than the fault of one individual.

How does Eric’s tone change in the later stages of the play compared to earlier moments?

Eric’s tone becomes more assertive and aggressive as he begins to confront the truth. His earlier uncertainty contrasts with his more direct, accusatory statements in the latter part of the play, such as when he shouts about the family's role in Eva's death.

What does the phrase 'shouting and I say the girl’s dead' reveal about Eric's emotional state?

Eric’s shouting and the directness of the phrase reflect his anger, frustration, and emotional distress upon learning the full extent of the family's involvement in Eva's death. It signals his internal struggle and desire to confront the painful truth.

What is the overall message conveyed through Eric’s character development?

Eric’s character development illustrates the theme of personal growth and accountability. He transitions from an unsure, passive figure to someone who confronts the reality of his actions, accepts responsibility, and challenges his family's role in societal injustice.