Eric Flashcards
Adjectives to describe Eric
Guilt-ridden, irresponsible, emotional, rebellious, immature
Role in play
Highlights generational divide and the consequences of upper-class negligence.
“We did her in all right.”
Eric’s blunt admission acknowledges collective guilt.
Use of “we” shows unity and shared responsibility.
Priestley uses Eric to highlight the potential for social change.
“You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble.”
Reveals the emotional distance in their relationship.
Criticizes lack of support and understanding from the older generation.
Making excuses for his behaviour
Eric’s development throughout play
Eric’s involvement with Eva is arguably the most damaging, yet he accepts full responsibility and is deeply remorseful.
Themes linked to Eric
Responsibility
Generational divide
Morality
Class and Gender
Priestley’s message through Eric
Eric is another symbol of youthful change. Priestley uses him to contrast with his parents’ stubbornness and highlight the flaws of upper-class indulgence.
‘Half shy, half assertive’
- Priestley uses stage directions to present him as not fully mature
- ‘Half shy’ connotes nervousness lack of confidence
Contrast with ‘assertive’ implies confidence and dominance
Contrasting adjectives create sense of confusion, secrecy
From the start Priestley doesn’t want the audience to trust him
“In that state when a chap easily turns nasty”
- ‘That’ implies listeners know what he’s talking about
- shows lack of responsibility and that he is using alcohol as an excuse
- ‘chap’ third person distances him from the implied crime
“And that’s when it happened. And I don’t even remember- that’s the hellish thing.”
- lack of detail suggests he can barely bring himself to admit what he’s done
“It’s what happened to the girl and what we all did to her that matters”
- Accepted his role in her downfall
- Inspector socialist message of collective responsibility is more important that the identity of the inspector
